North Wales Wind Farm Connections EIA Scoping Report

January 2014

Contents Section 1.0 Introduction 01 Section 2.0 The Project 09 Section 3.0 Planning Context 19 Section 4.0 Consultation 21 Section 5.0 Scope And Methodology 23 Section 6.0 Biodiversity And Geological Conservation 27 Section 7.0 Landscape And Visual 33 Section 8.0 Historic Environment 43 Section 9.0 Flood Risk 47 Section 10.0 Land Use 49 Section 11.0 Socio Economic 53 Section 12.0 Traffic And Transport 55 Section 13.0 Noise 57 Section 14.0 Electric And Magnetic Fields 59 Section 15.0 Proposed Issues Scoped Out 61

Figures: Figure 1.1 TAN 8 Area A and Consented Wind Farms 0 Figure 1.2 Preferred Route Corridor (Blue Green Link) and Proposed Route Alignment 2 Figure 1.3 Proposed Route Alignment and Extent of Development 4 Figure 2.1a Proposed Route Alignment and Extent of Development with Constraints 10 Figure 2.1b Proposed Route Alignment and Extent of Development with Constraints 11 Figure 2.1c Proposed Route Alignment and Extent of Development with Constraints 12 Figure 2.1d Proposed Route Alignment and Extent of Development with Constraints 13 Figure 2.2 Connection Types: Double Wood or Steel Poles and Steel Towers 14

EIA Scoping Report St Asaph

St Asaph

Henllan

Henllan Denbigh

Denbigh

Conwy Council Denbighshire Conwy Council Council Denbighshire Council Clocaenog Ruthin Ruthin Brenig Clocaenog Brenig

!( !( !( !( !( !(!( !( !( !( !( !( !( !( !(!( !( !(!( !(

!( !(!(!( !( !( !( !(!( !( !( !(!( !(!( !( !( !( !(!( !( !(!(

Kilometers 0 1 2 3 Kilometers 0 1 2 3 Figure 1.1 TAN 8 Area A & Consented Wind Farms FigKuerye: 1.1 TAN 8 Area A & Consented Wind Farms Key:! Tir Mostyn Existing Wind Farm TAN 8 Area A ! ! Tir CMlocsatyeno Egx Wisitnindg F Warmin dA wFairtming Decision (64-96 MW) TAN 8 Area A District Boundary ! ! CloBcraeennigo Cg oWnsinedn teFda rWmin Adw Faairtmin g(4 D0e McWisi)on (64-96 MW) ! 400kV Overhead Line ! BreDneigrw Cyoddn sBeancthe dC oWnsinedn tFeda rWmi n(d4 0F aMrmW ()23 MW) District Boundary ! ! DeNrwayndt dB aBcahc Cho Cnsoennstendt Wedin Wd Finadr mF a(2rm7. 5( 2M3W M)W) 1324k0V0 OkVve Orhveeardh Leiande Line ! Substations 33kV Overhead Line ! Nant Bach Consented Wind Farm (27.5 MW) 132kV Overhead Line ! Substations 33kV Overhead Line Figure 1.1: TAN 8 A and Consented Wind Farms

0 North Wales Wind Farms Connection 1.0 Introduction

SP Manweb 1.1 SP Manweb Ltd is the distribution network operator 1.5 The four contracted wind farms and their for North and Mid Wales, Cheshire, Merseyside approximate megawatt (MW) outputs are detailed and parts of Shropshire. SP Manweb has statutory below and shown in Figure 1.1. All wind farms are duties under the Electricity Act 1989 to develop and located within TAN 8 SSA A. maintain an efficient, co-ordinated and economical system of electricity distribution. It is also required Clocaenog (SJ013578) to provide new connections onto the distribution 1.6 RWE npower renewables have submitted a network if requested. Development Consent Order (DCO) application to the Planning Inspectorate (PINS) to develop a new Overview of the Proposed Development wind farm in Clocaenog Forest in North Wales. The 1.2 The Welsh Assembly Government (WAG) forest is managed by Natural Resources Wales published its policy statement “A Low Carbon (NRW) (previously Forestry Commission Wales) Revolution – the Welsh Assembly Government on behalf of the Welsh Assembly Government. Energy Policy Statement March 2010”, which sets Clocaenog wind farm is expected to generate a target of 2 Gigawatt (GW) installed onshore wind between 64 and 96 MW, from 32 turbines. The capacity for 2015/2017. The policy states that this turbines will have a total height (to tip) of 145m. will be achieved by optimising the use of strategic An application was submitted at the end of March areas set out in Technical Advice Note (TAN) 8 on 2013. Planning for Renewable Energy. TAN 8 identifies areas where, for efficiency and environmental Brenig (SJ021742) reasons amongst others, large scale (over 25 1.7 In April 2009, Brenig Wind Ltd received consent to megawatt (MW)) onshore wind developments build a 16 turbine wind farm at Llyn Brenig, with should be concentrated. an installed generating capacity of 40MW. The turbines will have a total height (to tip) of 100m. 1.3 SP Manweb has contracts with a number of wind farm developers seeking connection in the TAN Nant Bach (SJ989470) 8 Strategic Search Area (SSA). Four wind farm 1.8 In May 2011, Vattenfall received consent to build an developers have applied and agreed terms for 11 turbine wind farm at Nant Bach, with an installed SP Manweb to provide them with connections generating capacity of up to 27.5 MW. The turbines to the electricity grid network. As discussed in will have a total height to tip of 100m. The 33kV SP Manweb’s Strategic Options Report (SOR) connection to the SP Manweb collector hub will run (SP Manweb May 2013), after consideration of a underground through the Clocaenog Forest. number of options, the preferred strategic option is for SP Manweb to provide a collector substation, to Derwydd Bach (SJ044485) connect the power from the wind farms via shared 1.9 In July 2011, Tegni received consent to build a 132kV connection to the national transmission 10 turbine wind farm at Derwydd Bach, with an network at the existing St Asaph substation. The installed generating capacity of 23 MW. The preferred option for a single circuit overhead turbines will have a total height to tip of 120.5m. line connecting the new collector substation to a The 132kV connection to the SP Manweb collector terminal pole approaching the St Asaph substation hub will run underground through the Clocaenog (the “132kV Connection”) at which point a section Forest. of underground cable has been identified as 1.10 The proposed 132kV Connection will terminate being required. Further assessment is required into the recently extended SP Manweb substation to confirm if there are any additional areas of at St Asaph (SJ021742). No formal development underground cable which are either technically consent is required for the substation works at St or environmentally appropriate. The contracts are Asaph. based on this preferred strategic option. 1.4 This Report focuses on the 132kV Connection. SP Project Development Manweb’s approach to assessing and consenting 1.11 SP Manweb are committed to developing a development related to the 132kV Connection, technically feasible and economically viable including the new collector substation and sections connection which causes the least disturbance to of underground cable, is explained at 1.18 to 1.20 the environment and the people who live, work and below. recreate within it.

EIA Scoping Report 1 St Asaph

St Asaph

River Elwy Valley

River Elwy Valley

Llannefydd

Llannefydd

Henllan

Henllan Denbigh

Denbigh

Groes Groes

Segrwyd Segrwyd Peniel Peniel Conwy CouncilConwy Council Denbighshire Denbighshire Council SaronSaron

ClocaenogClocaenog BrenigBrenig

Kilometers 0 1 2 3 Kilometers 0 1 2 3 Figure 1.2 Preferred Route Corridor (Blue Green Link) and Proposed Route Alignment Figure 1.2 Preferred Route Corridor (Blue Green Link) and Proposed Route Alignment Key: Key: ! TAN 8 Area A Tir Mostyn Existing Wind Farm ! ! TAN 8 Area A ClocaenogTir Mostyn Wind Existing Farm (Awaiting Wind Farm Decision) !( Preferred Route Corridor (Blue Green Link) ! BrenigClocaenog Consented Wind Wind Farm Farm (Awaiting Decision) PreferredProposed Route Route Corridor Alignment (Blue Green Link) !( DistrictBrenig Boundary Consented Wind Farm Proposed Route Alignment District Boundary

Figure 1.2: Preferred Route Corridor (Blue/Green link) and Proposed Route Alignment

2 North Wales Wind Farms!( Connection !( !( !( !( !( !( !( !( !( !( !( !( !( !( !( !( !( !( !( 1.12 The SOR identified the requirement for new Special Scientific Interest and runs over Denbigh infrastructure in the form of a new 132kV circuit (and Golf Course. For many environmental criteria and new 33/132kV substation), as the capacity of the for technical considerations the northern ends of existing circuit is fully utilised. The SOR considered the Blue/Red and Blue/Green corridors are very a number of connection options to connect the four similar in performance. However the consultation wind farms to the existing grid network, including feedback gave a stronger preference against existing substation sites in Wrexham and Flintshire the Blue/Red corridor, so the Blue/Green link as well as the selected site at St Asaph, which was was selected as the preferred route corridor. The considered to be the most efficient, co-ordinated corridor is approximately 20 km in length, and runs and economical option. The assessment also between Brenig / Clocaenog North and St Asaph, considered the landscape and visual implications as indicated in Figure 1.2: Preferred route corridor and a preliminary environmental appraisal as (Blue/Green link) and proposed route alignment. outlined in the North Wales Wind Farms Strategic Environmental Alternatives document (Gillespies Proposed Route Alignment March 2011). 1.17 Following selection of the Blue/Green corridor a proposed 100m wide route alignment has been 1.13 The ‘Scottish Power North Wales Wind Farms developed within the corridor will be taken forward Connection Route Corridor Report’ (Gillespies May for detailed line design. The route alignment 2013) considered the route corridor options for the includes a route option to the west of Henllan in preferred strategic option identified in the SOR. In response to non-statutory consultation feedback. particular the report This option lies outside the original Blue/Green p outlines the type of development for which corridor and both options will be taken forward for routeing is required; the Stage 3 Consultation. The decision on which p sets out the methodology used to develop the option to take forward will be based on comments route corridor options; received during the consultation, environmental and technical considerations. Following the p identifies and assesses the technical, economic, planning and environmental Stage 3 statutory consultation the proposed route constraints to be taken into account in alignment with one option identified will be taken developing routeing options; and forward to the EIA stage. p identifies, describes and appraises route 1.18 This route alignment, indicated in Figure 1.2 below, corridor options, culminating in the selection of will form the basis of the scheme which will be a Preferred Route Corridor. assessed and evaluated as part of the EIA process. The proposed route alignment is indicative at this 1.14 The report considered five potential route corridors stage and will be adjusted in response to the EIA (Red, Green, Blue, Blue/Red and Blue/Green), all and consultation process. of which were considered to be technically and 1.19 The proposed route alignment is described in environmentally feasible. more detail in Section 2: The Project. The route 1.15 The southern ends of the Red and Green corridors alignment runs from the upland forest area of have a greater number of potential effects on Clocaenog in a north-easterly direction through residential amenity, principally in the vicinity of undulating farmland for 5 km, roughly following the Nantglyn. The consultation feedback supported route of the B4501. It then veers in a north-westerly this finding and suggested a preference for the direction for 2.2 km before heading north (passing southern end of the Blue corridor as the preferred over the A543) to the west of Henllan. The route corridor. heads north-west to cross the River Elwy before heading north-east to St Asaph. 1.16 However the northern end of the Blue corridor has a greater number of potential effects on the 1.20 A 500m zone to either side of the centreline of environment, principally due to its effects on the the proposed 100m alignment has been included historic environment at Denbigh which includes a within the area in respect of which this scoping major Guardianship castle in State care, Scheduled opinion is sought. It is anticipated that all access Ancient Monuments, Listed Buildings and a and working areas will be included within the Conservation Area and also effects on two Welsh 1km zone together with any variations in the OHL Historic Landscapes of the Vale of Clwyd and the alignment which may be necessary as the detail of Lower Elwy Valley which it passes through. Effects the OHL design progresses. The extent of the area on Residential Amenity are similarly greater to the is shown in Figure 1.3: Proposed Route Alignment northern end of the Blue route and there is a pinch and Extent of Development. point on the route to the north-west of Denbigh where the corridor encloses the Crest Mawr Site of

EIA Scoping Report 3 St Asaph

St Asaph

River Elwy Valley

River Elwy Valley

Llannefydd

Llannefydd

Henllan

Henllan Denbigh

Denbigh

Groes Groes

Segrwyd Segrwyd Peniel Peniel Conwy CouncilConwy Council Denbighshire Denbighshire Council SaronSaron

ClocaenogClocaenog BrenigBrenig

Kilometers 0 1 2 3 Kilometers 0 1 2 3 Figure 1.3 Proposed Route Alignment & Extent of Development Figure 1.3 Proposed Route Alignment & Extent of Development Key: Key: TAN 8 Area A ! Tir Mostyn Existing Wind Farm TAN 8 Area A ! ClocaenogTir Mostyn Wind Existing Farm Wind (Awaiting Farm Decision) Extent of Development !( ! BrenigClocaenog Consented Wind Wind Farm Farm (Awaiting Decision) Extent of Development District Boundary Proposed Route Alignment !( Brenig Consented Wind Farm Proposed Route Alignment District Boundary

Figure 1.3: Proposed Route Alignment and Extent of Development.

4 North Wales Wind Farms!( Connection !( !( !( !( !( !( !( !( !( !( !( !( !( !( !( !( !( !( !( Related development 1.21 A new collector substation will be required in the 1.28 This Report therefore constitutes formal notification vicinity of the wind farms requiring connection. This to the SoS under Regulation 6(1)(b) of the EIA will not be addressed in this Scoping Report as it Regulations that SP Manweb proposes to provide will be subject to a separate planning application an Environmental Statement in respect of the and does not form part of the 132kV Connection. DCO application. SP Manweb understands that PINS will notify consultation bodies as required 1.22 Similarly, the section of underground cable at in accordance with Regulation 9(1)(a) of the EIA the north end of the 132kV Connection does not Regulations. form part of the project addressed in this Scoping Report or to be assessed in the environmental 1.29 Section 5(2)(a) of the Infrastructure Planning impact assessment. The environmental impact (Applications: Prescribed Forms and Procedure) assessment process will be vital in determining Regulations 2009, require that, where applicable, any additional areas where underground cable for the ES required pursuant to the EIA Regulations, the 132kV Connection is appropriate. Any sections together with any scoping or screening opinions or of underground cable will be environmentally directions, must accompany the DCO application. appraised separately. The Legislative Framework 1.23 Importantly, however, all related development 1.30 The Planning Act 2008 (the Act) (amended by the will be assessed in the environmental impact Localism Act 2011) amended the existing planning assessment for the 132kV Connection as part of system in England and Wales for consenting the appraisal of cumulative effects. overhead lines. The Environmental Impact Assessment 1.31 The Planning Inspectorate is the body responsible 1.24 The 100m route alignment and its option described for examining Development Consent Order above will be taken forward for further investigation, (DCO) applications for large scale infrastructure site survey and assessment as part of the EIA proposals, which qualify as Nationally Significant process. Infrastructure Projects (NSIPs). Decisions on DCO applications are made by the relevant Secretary of 1.25 It is anticipated that the majority of the line will be State. In accordance with Section 14(1)(b) of the developed as a double wood pole overhead line. Act, overhead lines installed above ground with a During the EIA process, preferred technologies nominal voltage of greater than, or equal to, 132kV will be identified at specific locations along the were considered NSIPs, to be determined by the preferred route as defined by constructability and Planning Inspectorate in accordance with the environmental issues, although final decisions on requirements of the Act. The 132kV Connection whether it will be necessary to place underground falls within the parameters of a NSIP. any part of the overhead line will only be made during the EIA and having regard to the policy 1.32 Applications will be determined in the context of position set out in National Policy Statement EN-5. the National Planning Statements, designated in July 2011. Those relevant to the North Wales Requirement for an EIA and Connections Project are the Overarching National Notification under Regulation 6(1)(b) Energy Infrastructure Policy (EN-1) and Electricity 1.26 The Infrastructure Planning (Environmental Impact Networks Infrastructure (EN-5). Assessment) Regulations 2009 as amended (The 1.33 The substation is not classed as a NSIP and the EIA Regulations) impose procedural requirements, planning application will therefore be determined in particular, the carrying out of EIA in relation by the Local Authority, in this case Denbighshire to applications for DCOs. All development in County Council. The potential location of the Schedule 1 (Schedule 1 development) requires substation is discussed in more detail in the EIA. Development in Schedule 2 (Schedule 2 separate Substation Siting Report. Neither does development) requires EIA if specific thresholds the substation fall within the Town & Country are exceeded or it is likely to have significant effects Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) on the environment. (England & Wales) Regulations. However, SP 1.27 The definition of Schedule 2 development includes Manweb will undertake relevant environmental transmission of electrical energy by overhead investigations on the substation, and will report cables (Schedule 2 (3)(b)). on these investigations as part of the submission of the planning application to Denbighshire County Council (and, as described in [paragraph 1.20] above, as part of the cumulative impact assessment in the 132kV Connection EIA).

EIA Scoping Report 5 Role of this document The Purpose of Scoping in the EIA Process 1.34 This Scoping Report is part of a suite of documents, 1.35 Regulation 8 (1) of the EIA Regulations provides that which will be developed over the course of the an applicant who proposes to make an application project and together demonstrate SP Manweb’s for an order granting development consent may commitment to developing a technically feasible ask the Secretary of State (acting through PINS) to and economically viable connection, which causes state in writing his opinion as to the information to the least disturbance to the environment and the be provided in the environmental statement. The people who live, work and use it. The proposed purpose of this document is to provide PINS with suite of documents is outlined below, however the opportunity to comment on the scope of work these documents are not all currently complete proposed for the EIA and the contents of the ES. and will be made available over time. 1.36 Although it is not a mandatory requirement it is p Strategic Options Report - This document common practice for an applicant to provide a provides evidence of the need for the wind scoping report as part of the formal request for a farm connections and sets out the strategic scoping opinion if an ES is being submitted. It is system options considered by SP Manweb for a key document that provides a clear idea of the connecting the wind farms to the distribution issues to be scoped into the ES (or scoped out) network. A summary of the options considered and assists in development of a robust EIA. and conclusions reached was set out above; 1.37 Scoping forms one of the first stages of the EIA p North Wales Wind Farm Connection Strategic process. It refers to the activity of identifying those Environmental Alternatives - The purpose of environmental aspects that may be significantly this report is to inform the connection strategy affected by the proposed development. In doing by comparing a number of connection options so, the potential significance of effects associated from a landscape and visual perspective; with each environmental aspect becomes more p Relative Landscape Sensitivity in Relation clearly defined. to 132kV Overhead Lines - This sets out an appraisal of the Study Area in terms The Purpose of this Scoping Report of its theoretical landscape sensitivity to 1.38 As part of the EIA, a scoping study has been accommodating overhead lines of the type undertaken in order to identify the potential effects proposed; and key issues relating to the 132kV Connection p Route Corridor Report - This document and associated infrastructure of the North Wales considers the environmental constraints and Wind Farms Connections Project. Views on the responds to the pre-application consultations scope of the EIA are sought on the proposed and is supported by the Baseline Appendix, 132kV Connection, defined above as a 132kV covering Landscape, Ecology and Cultural overhead line. In addition, it is recognised that final Heritage; decisions have not yet been made on the extent p Statement of Community Consultation (SOCC) of any underground cable and, as described - This document sets out SP Manweb’s agreed above, it is likely that the connection will be strategy for consultation - providing details of placed underground on the approach to St Asaph when, where, how and with whom does the substation. As described above [section 1.20], consultation take place, including details of sections of underground cable will not form part how feedback will be provided; of any proposed application for a DCO but will be assessed along with all related development as p Consultation Report - This Reports document part of the cumulative impact assessment. the outcome of the consultation(s) and SP Manweb’s response to them. An interim 1.39 This document summarises the scoping study, Consultation Report will be published as part outlines assessment work already undertaken of the statutory pre-application consultation. It and ongoing, outlines the proposals, describes will include details of the feedback received to the baseline conditions where they are known date; and and identifies issues and concerns. It sets out the p Environmental Statement - The project falls assessment approach and ensures all key issues within the scope of the Infrastructure Planning are identified and addressed by the EIA and that (Environmental Assessment Regulations) sufficient information is provided on potential 2009. These require formal Environmental environmental effects to allow determination of the Impact Assessment (EIA), with production Development Consent Order application. of an Environmental Statement (ES) and accompanying Screening and Scoping Reports.

6 North Wales Wind Farms Connection 1.40 This report is submitted to PINS in support of a request for a formal scoping opinion on the proposed content of the EIA.

Content and Structure of the Scoping Report 1.41 The content and structure of this Scoping Report follows PINS Advice Note 7, and Regulation 8 (3) of the EIA Regulations, which advise that the following information should be provided, as a minimum: A plan sufficient to identify the land; A brief description of the nature and purpose of the development (Section 2) and of its possible effects on the environment (Sections 6 to 15 inclusive); and Such other information or representations as the person making the request may wish to provide or make.

1.42 The structure of this Scoping Report is as follows:

p Section 2 describes the site and provides an interpretation of the site settings and surroundings. It also provides a description of the proposed development; p Section 3 sets out the planning policy context for the development; p Section 4 summarises consultations held to date and those planned during the EIA process; p Section 5 determines the general scope of the assessment and methodology to be adopted in the EIA. The general assessment methodology sets out the approach to be taken for predicting and assessing effects, the significance criteria to be used (unless set out within specific topics in Sections 6 to 15 inclusive), and the methodology for the assessment of cumulative effects and alternatives. It also provides an outline for the proposed structure for the ES; p Sections 6 to 14 presents the key topics covered as part of the scoping study. For each topic the following is provided: - Baseline conditions (results of desk top and baseline studies and review of existing studies where relevant); - Methodology for assessment and surveys specific for the topic assessment; - Potential effects of the development; and - Potential and scope for mitigation measures p Section 15 summarises potential effects scoped out of the EIA and the reasons for this

EIA Scoping Report 7

2.0 THE PROJECT

The Need for the Connection DCO Order Limits so it is considered that the 2.1 In July 2005, the Welsh Assembly Government indicative pole locations will represent a realistic published Technical Advice Note No 8 ‘Planning for worst case on which to base the assessments. It Renewable Energy’ (TAN 8). This identified seven is anticipated that all access and working areas broad ‘Strategic Search Areas (SSAs) for onshore will lie within the 1km zone included within the draft wind farms in Wales. Four of these are in the SP (red line) Extent of Development and any variations Manweb network operating area. Of these TAN8 in the OHL alignment which may be necessary as SSA A is in North Wales as shown in Figure 1.1 the detail of the design progresses will also be above. achieved within this application area. 2.2 As a result, Scottish Power Energy Networks 2.6 The route alignment has also been developed (SPEN), the distribution network operator of in response to feedback from the public and the existing lower voltage electricity distribution stakeholder consultation meetings and events. infrastructure for the northern half of Wales, has This feedback led to the development of an contracts with a number of wind farm developers alternative alignment to the west of Henllan seeking connection in North Wales. SPEN is which lies outside the original Blue Green Link the business within the Scottish Power group corridor and it will therefore be carried forward to which plans, operates, develops and maintains subsequent consultation. the distribution system in North Wales on behalf of SP Manweb plc, the owner of the system and 2.7 The Study Area for the assessment of environmental the holder of the distribution licence. SP Manweb effects within the ES will, in general include the has a statutory duty to offer terms to connect new 100m route alignment and a buffer zone of 1-2km generating stations to its distribution system. to either side dependant on individual topic specialisations. 2.3 In order to meet this need, SP Manweb identified in the SOR a need to develop a new connection The Proposed Development and the preferred option was identified as a new 2.8 The proposed 132kV Connection alignment collector substation to connect the individual wind runs from the proposed SP Manweb collector farm circuits for onward transmission principally substation in Clocaenog Forest, in the vicinity of on 132kV double wood poles to the existing SP Clocaenog Wind Farm Substation, to the national Manweb substation at St Asaph. The Connection transmission network at St Asaph. It will allow for Route Corridor Report identified a preferred route the connection to be made by overhead lines, corridor (the Blue/Green corridor described below). with underground cables being utilised at the northern end of the alignment at the approach to Location the St Asaph substation. The collector substation 2.4 The original extent of the preferred Blue/Green and the underground cables do not form part of corridor is defined in Figure 1.2: Preferred Route the proposed development but are mentioned for Corridor. The Routeing Methodology which led clarity. to the selection of the preferred corridor was developed to exclude areas of high environmental 2.9 The overhead lines will be built on double wood and technical sensitivity and is described in the poles as the farmland through which the majority of Route Corridor Report (May 2013). The findings the line runs is considered to be more suitable for are briefly outlined in Section 1 above. wood poles than steel towers. Steel towers (pylons) may be considered in selected locations for 2.5 A 100m wide preferred alignment was subsequently example, crossing steep sided valleys such as the developed within this corridor which further avoids Elwy. Wood poles are preferred where technically areas of environmental and technical sensitivity feasible as they are less visually intrusive, less at a more detailed and localised level. The 132kV likely to be visible on the skyline and are more Connection will be routed through the 100m wide flexible for detailed routeing, providing a better fit alignment and all potential access and working with the landscape. Underground cable may be requirements will be considered and developed in appropriate where there are technical difficulties more detail as the detail of the project emerges. The or serious concerns about the potential adverse EIA will be based on indicative pole locations within landscape and visual effects of an overhead line. the 100m alignment. Key areas of environmental sensitivity, if identified, will be excluded from the

EIA Scoping Report 9 4 57 3 Figure 2.1a 5 Proposed Route Alignment 56 6 and Extent of Development 7 44 8 with Constraints (1 of 4) 4 57 Figure 2.1a 142 Scale 1:10 000 @ A1 3 5 Proposed Route Alignment 9 Landscape, Environmental 56 A543 6 and Extent of Development 42 & Technical Constraints 7 153152 43 44 with Constraints (1 of 4) Proposed Route Alignment 8 151 142 Scale 1:10 000 @ A1 Extent of Development 9 Landscape, Environmental 10 A543 2km Buffer Around Alignment 42 & Technical Constraints 153152 43 District Boundary Proposed Route Alignment ") 151 16 St Asaph Substation Extent of Development 15 ") Wind Farm Substation 10 15a 2km Buffer Around Alignment 11 41 Wind Farm Substation District Boundary 12 ! Tir Mostyn Existing Wind ") 143 141 17 Farm & Topple Distance St Asaph Substation 13 16 15 ! Clocaenog (Awaiting Decision) 15a ") Wind Farm Substation 14 40 Wind Farm & Topple Distance 11 28 41 Wind Farm Substation !( Brenig Consented Wind 12 ! Tir Mostyn Existing Wind Farm & Topple distance 143 252 141 17 13 Farm & Topple Distance 251 Area of Outstanding 250 ! Clocaenog (Awaiting Decision) 21 39 Natural Beauty (AONB) 14 40 Wind Farm & Topple Distance 27 28 30 Settlement !( Brenig Consented Wind 33 35 Slope Over 22° 252 Farm & Topple distance 38 251 Area of Outstanding 20 34 37 Slope Between 15-22° 21 250 Natural Beauty (AONB) 36 27 39 A Road River 30 Settlement 29 29a 33 35 B Road Ridge Line 38 Slope Over 22° 26 20 Slope Between 15-22° 31 400kV Overhead Line 34 37 36 A Road River 132kV Overhead Line 29a 29 B Road Ridge Line 23a 33kV Overhead Line 22 26 31 400kV Overhead Line 24 300 - 450m AOD 132kV Overhead Line 450+ AOD 23a 23 19 33kV Overhead Line 18 22 EA Flood Zone 3 24 300 - 450m AOD 25 EA Flood Zone 2 450+ AOD 23 19 18 Open Statutory Access Land EA Flood Zone 3 Open Country Region 25 EA Flood Zone 2 Registered Common Land Open Statutory Access Land Conwy Landscape Value Area 32 Open Country Region Denbigh Local Landscape Area Registered Common Land Conwy Landscape Value Area Visual Receptors 32 Denbigh Local Landscape Area ! Visual Receptor within study area 141 (50m &100m buffer zones shown) Visual Receptors Visual Receptor within study area ! Visual Receptor within study area (group receptor with ID) 141 (50m &100m buffer zones shown) Ecological Constraints Visual Receptor within study area (group receptor with ID) Special Area of Conservation (SAC) Ecological Constraints Site of Special Special Area of Scientific Interest (SSSI) Conservation (SAC) National Nature Site of Special Reserve (NNR) Scientific Interest (SSSI) Site of Importance for National Nature Nature Conservation Reserve (NNR) Regionally Important Site of Importance for Geological Site (RIGS) Nature Conservation Regionally Important Ancient Semi-Natural Woodland Geological Site (RIGS) Wales National Forestry Inventory Ancient Semi-Natural Woodland Public Forests Wales National Forestry Inventory Peatland Habitat Public Forests *# Local Wildlife Site Peatland Habitat Wildlife Trust Sites *# Local Wildlife Site Cultural Constraints Wildlife Trust Sites Listed Buildings Cultural Constraints Undesignated Sites Listed Buildings Conservation Area Undesignated Sites Scheduled Ancient Monument Conservation Area Parks & Gardens Essential Setting Scheduled Ancient Monument Registered Parks & Gardens Parks & Gardens Essential Setting Registered Parks & Gardens Historic Landscapes Historic Landscapes Tourism Tourism n Golf Course [t Camp Sites n Golf Course [t Camp Sites [¡ Fishing k Viewpoints [¡ Fishing k Viewpoints G Castles Local Cycle G Castles Local Cycle Route Route National Trail National Trail Figure 2.1a: Proposed Route

Kilometers Alignment and Extent of ´ Kilometers ´ 0 1 2 3 Development with Environmental 0 1 2 3 Constraints. 10 North Wales Wind Farms Connection

!(

!( !(

!( !(

!( !( !( !( !( !(

!( !( !(

!( !( !( !(

!( !( 4 57 3 Figure 2.1a 5 Proposed Route Alignment 56 6 and Extent of Development 7 44 8 with ConstraintsFigure 2.1b (1 of 4) 142 Scale 1:10 000 @ A1 265 Preferred Route Alignment 9 Landscape, Environmental A543 & Extent of Development 264 42 & Technical Constraints 153152 43 with Constraints (2 of 4) Proposed Route Alignment 151 Scale 1:10 000 @ A1 Extent of Development 10 Landscape, Environmental & Technical2km Buffer Constraints Around Alignment PrDistrictopose dBoundary Route Alignment 68 ") 16 ExtentSt Asaph of Development Substation 15 ") Wind Farm Substation 15a 2km Buffer Around Alignment 262 69 11 41 Wind Farm Substation District Boundary 263 12 ! Tir Mostyn Existing Wind 143 ") 141 17 13 StFarm Asaph & ToppleSubstation Distance 70 ")! WindClocaenog Farm Substation (Awaiting Decision) 14 40 Wind Farm & Topple Distance 28 Wind Farm Substation !!( TirBrenig Mostyn Consented Existing Wind Wind 252 FarmFarm & & Topple Topple Distance distance 251 Area of Outstanding 250 ! Clocaenog (Awaiting Decision) 261 21 WindNatural Farm Beauty & Topple (AONB) Distance 27 259 260 172 75 39 30 !( BrenigSettlement Consented Wind 175 171 33 35 Farm & Topple distance 38 Slope Over 22° 173 Area of Outstanding 17420 34 37 NaturalSlope BetweenBeauty (AONB) 15-22° 66 36 SettlementA Road River 29a 255 29 SlopeB Road Over 22° Ridge Line Slope Between 15-22° 26 254 31 400kV Overhead Line 181 A132kV Road OverheadRiver Line B Road Ridge Line 23a 33kV Overhead Line 176 22 400kV Overhead Line 24 300 - 450m AOD 192 132kV Overhead Line 182 450+ AOD 23 19 78 33kV Overhead Line 180 18 191 77 EA Flood Zone 3 184183 187 74 300 - 450m AOD 25 450+EA Flood AOD Zone 2 179 253 EAOpen Flood Statutory Zone 3 Access Land 185 76 65 EAOpen Flood Country Zone 2 Region 73 OpenRegistered Statutory Common Access Land 178 OpenConwy Country Landscape Region Value Area 190 32 RegisteredDenbigh Local Common Landscape Land Area 72 64 186 Conwy Landscape Value Area Visual Receptors 63 Denbigh Local Landscape Area 189 ! Visual Receptor within study area 141 Visual (50mReceptors &100m buffer zones shown) ! VisualVisual Receptor Receptor within within study study area area 141 (50m(group &100m receptor buffer with zones ID) shown) A543 165 EcologicalVisual Receptor Constraints within study area 71 (group receptor with ID) 164 Special Area of 188 162 168 320 161 61 EcologicalConservation Constraints (SAC) 169 62 SpecialSite of AreaSpecial of 163 434 ConservationScientific Interest (SAC) (SSSI) 160 166 159 SiteNational of Special Nature 170 ScientificReserve Interest (NNR) (SSSI) NationalSite of Importance Nature for 167 ReserveNature Conservation(NNR) 60 Site of Importance for 48 Regionally Important NatureGeological Conservation Site (RIGS) 49 Regionally Important GeologicalAncient Semi-Natural Site (RIGS) Woodland 47 Wales National Forestry Inventory Ancient Semi-Natural Woodland Public Forests Wales National Forestry Inventory 50 158 PublicPeatland Forests Habitat 46 PeatlandLocal Wildlife Habitat Site *# LocalWildlife Wildlife Trust Site Sites 53 *# Wildlife Trust Sites 137 45 51 55 Cultural Constraints 52 CulturalListed Constraints Buildings 138 59 54 ListedUndesignated Buildings Sites 139 2 1 UndesignatedConservation Sites Area ConservationScheduled Ancient Area Monument 58 ScheduledParks & Gardens Ancient MonumentEssential Setting 4 57 ParksRegistered & Gardens Parks Essential & Gardens Setting Registered Parks & Gardens 3 Historic Landscapes Historic Landscapes 5 Tourism Tourism 56 n Golf Course [t Camp Sites 6 n Golf Course [t Camp Sites 7 Viewpoints 44 [¡ Fishing kViewpoints 8 [¡ Fishing k G Castles Local Cycle 142 G Castles Local Cycle RouteRoute 9 NationalNational Trail Trail 42 153152 43 Figure 2.1b: Proposed Route Kilometers Alignment and Extent of 151 Kilometers ´ 0 1 2 3 0 1 2 3 10 Development with Environmental Constraints. EIA Scoping Report 11

!(

!(

!(

!( !(

!(

!( !(

!( !(

!(

!(

!(

!( !(

!(

!(

!(

!( !( ! !

!

!

! ! !

! ! !! ! !!! 4 57 ! ! 3 Figure 2.1a 5 Proposed Route Alignment 56 6 and Extent of Development 44 7 with Constraints (1 of 4) !243 321 346 ! 8 Figure 2.1c ! 142 Scale 1:10 000 @ A1 348 ! Preferred Route Alignment ! !! 9 Landscape, Environmental ! A543 347 & Extent of Development 42 & Technical Constraints with Constraints (3 of 4) 153152 43 ! Proposed Route Alignment ! ! Scale 1:10 000 @ A1 151 ! Extent of! Development 318 ! ! 10 319 Landscape, Environmental 2km Buffer Around Alignment !241 ! 314 ! & Technical Constraints District Boundary Proposed Route Alignment ") A525 St Asaph Substation Extent of Development 16 15 316 363 15a ") Wind Farm Substation 317 ! 2km Buffer Around Alignment 11 41 Wind Farm Substation 242 360 ! ! ! District Boundary 12 Tir Mostyn Existing Wind !! ! ! 362 ! ! ! 143 ") 141 17 13 Farm & Topple Distance ! St Asaph Substation ! Clocaenog (Awaiting Decision) ") Wind Farm Substation 14 40 Wind Farm & Topple Distance Wind Farm Substation 28 ! !( Brenig Consented Wind ! ! Tir Mostyn Existing Wind 240 ! ! 252 Farm & Topple distance 361 Farm & Topple Distance 251 Area of Outstanding 250 ! Clocaenog (Awaiting Decision) 21 39 Natural Beauty (AONB) 368 Wind Farm & Topple Distance 27 239 30 Settlement !238 !( Brenig Consented Wind 33 35 ! Slope Over 22° 225 Farm & Topple distance 38 !! 227 364 Area of Outstanding!! 20 37 Slope Between 15-22° 34 36 Natural !Beauty (AONB) 226 ! A Road River Settlement! 29a 29 B Road! Ridge Line Slope Over 22° 26 292 Slope Between 15-22° 31 400kV Overhead Line 294 132kV Overhead Line ! A Road River 228 230 231 B Road Ridge Line 23a 33kV Overhead Line 22 313 400kV Overhead Line 291 24 300 - 450m AOD 132kV Overhead Line 450+ AOD 237 23 19 229 365 33kV Overhead Line 18 289 369 EA Flood Zone 3 300 - 450m AOD 25 EA Flood Zone 2 288 ! 450+ AOD ! 366 232 233 ! ! !290 EA Flood Zone 3 ! Open Statutory Access Land 367 ! 286 ! Open Country Region ! EA Flood Zone 2 ! Registered Common Land 287 Open Statutory Access! !Land Conwy Landscape Value Area ! 285 32 282 Open Country Region Denbigh Local Landscape Area Registered Common Land 284 Conwy Landscape Value Area Visual Receptors ! Denbigh Local Landscape Area ! Visual Receptor within study area 293 141 (50m &100m buffer zones shown) ! ! Visual Receptors ! ! Visual Receptor within study area 222 !! ! Visual Receptor within study area ! ! (group receptor with ID) ! 141 (50m &100m buffer zones shown) Ecological Constraints 283 Visual Receptor within study area (group receptor with ID) Special Area of Conservation (SAC) Ecological Constraints !! Site of Special 431 Special Area of !! Scientific Interest (SSSI) ! ! Conservation (SAC) 432 370! National Nature 279 Site of Special Reserve (NNR) Scientific Interest (SSSI) Site of Importance for 281 National Nature Nature Conservation 277 Reserve (NNR) ! 280 Regionally Important ! Site of Importance for 276 ! Geological Site (RIGS) Nature Conservation 278 Regionally Important Ancient Semi-Natural Woodland 217 Geological Site (RIGS) Wales National Forestry Inventory ! ! 273 275 !!!! !! ! Ancient Semi-Natural Woodland Public Forests ! ! !! Wales National Forestry Inventory 218 274 ! Peatland Habitat ! Public Forests !! Local Wildlife Site 219 271 Moel Fodiar (390m) Peatland Habitat *# Wildlife Trust Sites 269 Local Wildlife Site 220 *# Cultural Constraints 371 Wildlife Trust Sites 216 272 Listed Buildings 270 Cultural Constraints ! Undesignated Sites Listed Buildings Conservation Area Undesignated Sites ! ! ! 372 Conservation Area Scheduled Ancient Monument ! 90! ! Parks & Gardens Essential Setting Scheduled Ancient Monument Registered Parks & Gardens Parks & Gardens Essential Setting Registered Parks & Gardens Historic Landscapes Historic Landscapes Tourism 267 Tourism n Golf Course [t Camp Sites n Golf Course [t Camp Sites 266 89 [¡ Fishing k Viewpoints ! [¡ Fishing k Viewpoints G Castles Local Cycle G Castles Local Cycle Route Route National Trail 265 National Trail Figure 2.1c: Proposed Route 264

! Kilometers Alignment and Extent of !! ´ Kilometers ´ 0 1 2 3 0 1 2 3 ! Development with Environmental ! !

! Constraints. !!! ! !!!! !! ! !!!! !! !! !!! ! ! !! !!!!! ! !! !!!! !! !!! !!! ! !! ! ! !!! ! ! ! !! ! ! ! !! !!!!! 12 ! !!!!! ! North Wales Wind Farms Connection ! ! ! ! !! ! ! !! ! ! ! ! !!! !!!!!! ! ! !! !!!! ! ! ! ! ! ! !! !! ! !! ! !!!!!!!!! !! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !!! ! ! ! !!!! !! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !! ! !

! ! ! ! ! !

!

!

!(

!(

!(

!( !(

!(

!( !(

!( !( 4 57 3 Figure 2.1a 5 Proposed Route Alignment 56 6 and Extent of Development 7 44 8 with ConstraintsFigure 2.1d (1 of 4) 142 A525 Scale 1:10 000 @ A1 A55(T) Preferred Route Alignment 9 Landscape, Environmental A543 & Extent of Development 42 & Technical Constraints 153152 43 with Constraints (4 of 4) Proposed Route Alignment 151 Scale 1:10 000 @ A1 Extent of Development 10 Landscape, Environmental & Technical2km Buffer Constraints Around Alignment PrDistrictopose dBoundary Route Alignment ") 16 ExtentSt Asaph of Development Substation 15 ") Wind Farm Substation 15a 2km Buffer Around Alignment 11 41 Wind Farm Substation District Boundary 12 ! Tir Mostyn Existing Wind 143 ") 141 17 13 StFarm Asaph & ToppleSubstation Distance ")! WindClocaenog Farm Substation (Awaiting Decision) 14 40 Wind Farm & Topple Distance 28 Wind Farm Substation !!( TirBrenig Mostyn Consented Existing Wind Wind 252 FarmFarm & & Topple Topple Distance distance 251 ! ClocaenogArea of Outstanding (Awaiting Decision) 21 250 Natural Beauty (AONB) 27 39 Wind Farm & Topple Distance 30 !( BrenigSettlement Consented Wind 33 35 FarmSlope & OverTopple 22° distance 38 Area of Outstanding 20 Slope Between 15-22° 34 37 36 Natural Beauty (AONB) SettlementA Road River 29a 29 SlopeB Road Over 22° Ridge Line Slope Between 15-22° 26 31 400kV Overhead Line A132kV Road OverheadRiver Line 324 B Road Ridge Line 23a 33kV Overhead Line 22 103 400kV Overhead Line 24 132kV300 - 450mOverhead AOD Line 450+ AOD 23 19 33kV Overhead Line 330 18 104 300EA -Flood 450m Zone AOD 3 25 450+EA Flood AOD Zone 2 325 105 EAOpen Flood Statutory Zone 3 Access Land EAOpen Flood Country Zone 2 Region 98 OpenRegistered Statutory Common Access Land 331 328 327 Conwy Landscape Value Area 32 Open Country Region 329 97 100 Denbigh Local Landscape Area 326 Registered Common Land 101 Conwy Landscape Value Area Visual Receptors ! Denbigh Local Landscape Area 315 99 Visual Receptor within study area 141 (50m &100m buffer zones shown) 334 Visual Receptors 332 ! VisualVisual Receptor Receptor within within study study area area 141 (50m(group &100m receptor buffer with zones ID) shown) 335 359 EcologicalVisual Receptor Constraints within study area 333 358 107 (group receptor with ID) 336 357 Special Area of 356 EcologicalConservation Constraints (SAC) 355 SpecialSite of AreaSpecial of ConservationScientific Interest (SAC) (SSSI) 247 337 338 354 SiteNational of Special Nature 339 ScientificReserve Interest (NNR) (SSSI) NationalSite of Importance Nature for 340 392 ReserveNature Conservation(NNR) SiteRegionally of Importance Important for 341 352 Nature Conservation 108 Geological Site (RIGS) 323 Regionally Important 246 342 353 GeologicalAncient Semi-Natural Site (RIGS) Woodland Wales National Forestry Inventory 109 Ancient Semi-Natural Woodland 351 110 Public Forests 322 343 Wales National Forestry Inventory PublicPeatland Forests Habitat 245 Local Wildlife Site 244 Peatland Habitat *# LocalWildlife Wildlife Trust Site Sites 350 111 *# CulturalWildlife Constraints Trust Sites 345 CulturalListed Constraints Buildings 349 ListedUndesignated Buildings Sites 344 243 321 346 UndesignatedConservation Sites Area ConservationScheduled Ancient Area Monument 348 ScheduledParks & Gardens Ancient MonumentEssential Setting 347 ParksRegistered & Gardens Parks Essential & Gardens Setting Mynydd y Gaer (270m) Registered Parks & Gardens Historic Landscapes Historic Landscapes Tourism 318 Tourism 319 n Golf Course [t Camp Sites 241 n Golf Course [t Camp Sites 314 [¡ Fishing k Viewpoints [¡ Fishing k Viewpoints Local Cycle G Castles Local Cycle 316 363 G Castles Route 317 Route National Trail 242 360 National Trail 362 Figure 2.1d: Proposed Route

Kilometers Alignment and Extent of Kilometers ´ 0 0 1 1 2 3 2 3 361 Development with Environmental 225 240 Constraints. EIA Scoping Report 13

!(

!(

!(

!( !(

!(

!( !(

!( !(

!(

!(

!(

!( !(

!(

!(

!(

!( !( Double Wood and Steel Poles p Double wood poles can be up to 15m in height and are spaced up to 100m apart.

p The poles carry three cables with an additional earth wire. The conductors are supported on a steel structure which sits on top of the double wood poles.

p This method of connection offers the greatest potential for sensitive routeing, in hilly, small scale landscapes.

p In general wooden poles would be used, however double steel poles could be utilised to span more technically challenging sections of a route. This would include very steep sections and longer spans, for example, where the route crosses riverbeds and valleys.

p The steel poles are of a similar height but the individual uprights are a larger diameter (600-660mm diameter as opposed to 285mm average).

Up Up to to 15m 15m

Double Wooden Pole Double Steel Pole

Steel Towers – L4 p L4 towers average 26m in height and are spaced on average 180m apart. The tower is slender in profile with a narrow base (4m x 4m). The towers can either be single circuit, carrying a 132kV line on one side, or double circuit, carrying two 132kV lines, one on either side.

p Steel towers offer less scope for sensitive routeing and are more suited to expansive, relatively flat landscapes. Their longer spans make them useful for crossing steep sided valleys which would be too steep for double poles.

Figure 2.2: Connection Types: Double Wood or Steel Poles and Steel Towers.

14 North Wales Wind Farms Connection Construction 2.18 Once the cable is laid, no maintenance would be 2.10 Overhead power line construction follows a required. However, in the event that the cable is standard sequence of activities. These activities damaged or a fault occurs it may be necessary to include: expose the cable to carry out a repair. p Preparation of accesses Decommissioning p Excavation of foundations 2.19 The need for the connection is dependent on the p Delivery of poles/towers four wind farms, which have an operational life of p Erection of poles/towers 25 years. Operational requirements of the local p Undergrounding/deviation of lower voltage lines electrical network and associated demand would where necessary for safety clearances. be kept under continuous review throughout this p Delivery of conductor drums and stringing period to determine the long term use and retention equipment of the connection, prior to any decommissioning decision being taken. p Insulator and conductor erection and sagging. p Clearance and reinstatement. 2.20 If it’s useful life has expired and the connection is to be removed, much of the material will be taken 2.11 At convenient places along the route, temporary for recycling. A similar process to remove the storage areas may be required for the dispersal of connection will be required as for construction. plant and equipment. Identification of temporary storage areas is undertaken to minimise any Connection Type potential environmental effects. It is anticipated 2.21 The wood pole support proposed for the 132kV that temporary storage areas will primarily be Connection is of a heavy-duty flat formation wood within farmyards, subject to agreement between pole (OHL-132-03) design. The design also the contractor and the landowners. incorporates a potential steel pole design which is 2.12 Where the connection passes over or in close similar in dimensions but with steel poles replacing proximity to trees that could infringe safe the wood poles. The double wood poles have a clearances to ‘live’ conductors, the trees must be maximum angle of line deviation of 35 degrees and felled or pruned prior to construction. are particularly suited to wind farm connections, which tend to be on higher ground and are subject 2.13 Construction is anticipated to take approximately to more adverse weather conditions. They are three to four weeks per kilometre. generally 15m in height (i.e. a 12.5m pole with 2.5m 2.14 The underground cables will be formed of cross in the ground) and have an average span length of linked polyethylene (XLPE), which is chemically around 80m. However, both the height and span inert and does not contain any fluids. can be extended or reduced, as required to meet statutory clearance requirements or to address 2.15 Underground cables will be laid typically at a depth factors such as sloping ground. The poles carry of 1m below ground level in a trench typically 1m 3-phase conductors (cables) in a single circuit wide. Conductors will be contained in separate network with an under slung earth wire, which polyethylene ducts. The overall working corridor incorporates a fibre optic cable for protection width of 15-20m is required for the installation of an signaling and communication purposes. The four underground cable. This will include drainage and conductors are made of aluminium with the phase a haul road where required. conductors having an overall diameter of 24mm and 2.16 Topsoil excavated from the cable trench will be the earth/fibre optic wire being 14mm in diameter. stored separately from other material from the 2.22 To overcome technical issues in a small number trench and would be stored separately local to the of locations, steel lattice tower supports (pylons) trench. Excavated topsoil will be used to complete may be used. These are of the L4 series, which the backfilling once the cable has been laid and are used widely across the UK. They are generally initial backfilling taken place. 26m in height and support three conductors (wires) suspended from the side arms of each tower. The Maintenance towers have a standard height of 26m with a span 2.17 In general a distribution line requires very little of approximately 200m, but these dimensions maintenance. It is regularly inspected to identify can be extended or reduced as required, to meet any unacceptable deterioration of components so statutory clearance requirements or to address that they can be replaced. Experience indicates factors such as sloping ground. This information that a new connection of this type would require will be included in the Preliminary Environmental refurbishment after approximately forty years, Impact Report (PEIR) when more detailed line depending upon the severity of pollution and local route work has been carried out. weather conditions.

EIA Scoping Report 15 2.23 Potential pole types are shown in Figure 2.2: Proposed Route Alignment Description Connection Types: Double Wood Poles, Steel 2.28 The proposed route alignment exits the proposed Poles. collector substation, located within the Clocaenog 2.24 The power generated by proposed wind farms to Forest immediately adjacent to the Clocaenog wind the north-west and east of Llyn Brenig (Clocaenog farm substation. The alignment runs north through North, Brenig, Nant Bach and Derwydd Bach), is to the edge of the managed forestry, and crosses be routed to the proposed North Wales wind farm open grazing land on the ridge of Tir Mostyn (400m collector substation (using underground cable). Above Ordnance Datum (AOD)), adjacent to the Tir The detailed design of the North Wales wind farm Mostyn wind farm, before dropping down to 350m collector substation is still to be confirmed, but it is AOD. The alignment turns north east to run along likely to include a fenced compound approximately the upper Lliwen valley slopes, parallel and above 0.2ha (0.5 acres), including a single storey control the B4501, through a landscape of small pastoral building (approximately 9m wide x 13m long x fields enclosed by hedgerows. After crossing the 3.5m high) and externally sited apparatus up to B5435 the alignment turns further east and drops 10m tall. In addition, the site will be protected by down to cross a watercourse before rising up to a 3.0m high perimeter fence, and the area around a local ridge near Bryn Foel. The alignment turns the building and compound will be bounded by north at the minor road near Bryn Foel, running a post and wire fence. Vehicular access will be through a rolling pastoral landscape with medium provided to the site from an adjacent road although sized fields enclosed by hedgerows and pockets of this will only be required for maintenance visits, deciduous woodland. The route drops down from approximately once a month. Depending on site a ridge at approximately 280m AOD, running past location, the substation will be enclosed by a a block of woodland, in a local valley to the west landscape planting scheme (locally sourced native which it then utilises as it runs past College Farm to tree and shrub planting). This is to screen views of the east of Peniel village, to cross the B4501 near the compound and eventually blend the substation Plas Captain. into the surrounding landscape. 2.29 To the north of the B4501 past Segrwyd the 2.25 In areas proposed for overhead line, construction alignment turns north-west, towards the Afon Ystrad access is anticipated to utilise existing road access and Pandy Wood. The line route passes through where practicable and include the use of temporary an open, small to medium scale, undulating trackways, comprising metal plates or hardcore pastoral landscape bounded by hedgerows with of approximately 5m width. In areas proposed scattered mature trees, until it drops down to cross for possible underground cabling, construction the wooded valley of the Afon Ystrad at Pandy. access would be via a temporary haul road Continuing north-west and crossing a minor road, running alongside the cable trenches to allow for the alignment turns north at Bodeiliog Uchaf (170m construction and associated vehicles, and utilising AOD). The route crosses the A543 to the east of existing road accesses where practicable. Eriviat Hall and continues north through a relatively open pastoral landscape, bounded by hedgerows 2.26 Temporary working areas would be needed with scattered mature trees with significant blocks throughout the construction process. Dependant of woodland to the west of the alignment, before on the programme requirements, some sections of turning north-east, skirting the base of Beacon Hill, the construction may be reinstated earlier than the through a shallow valley past Coed-Wern-ddu. final end of construction. 2.30 At this point two alternative alignments are Programme currently included within the project. One option 2.27 It is anticipated that, were a DCO to be granted runs slightly to the north-west along the valley floor in 2016, construction works would commence to the west of Henllan within a small to medium as soon as possible afterward and would likely scale pastoral landscape, crossing minor roads, continue for a minimum of 18 months. Dependent watercourses and residential receptors. The fields on the programme requirements, some sections of are bounded by hedgerows with mature trees and the construction may be reinstated earlier than the areas of predominantly deciduous woodland which final end of construction. increase in cover along the tributaries of the Elwy to the west of Henllan.

16 North Wales Wind Farms Connection 2.31 North of Henllan, the route option continues to run through a pastoral landscape on slightly rising ground, with a medium scale field pattern to run to the north-east of Berain bounded by hedgerows and mature trees, and broadly parallel to a local road across undulating farmland to Plas Buckley and Bod-ysgawen-isaf (130m AOD). 2.32 The second option also runs broadly north-west to pass to the west of Berain. However the alignment runs across slightly higher land to the west, further from Henllan, crossing undulating farmland with well-kept hedgerows with mature trees. The alignment crosses two well wooded river valleys and passes to the east of Hafod Wood. 2.33 To the immediate north of Berain the two alignments join and continue north-west before turning north to drop down the valley sides of the Afon Elwy where the open valley sides allow extensive views although large blocks of largely deciduous woodland provide screening. The route crosses the narrow and well wooded valley bottom and rising to Coed y Fadir (90m AOD) turning north-east and continuing to rise up the valley side to Plas Hafod with a local concentration of attractive mature trees within the fields and hedgerows. The alignment continues past Coed Plas-newydd (140m AOD) to the east of Groesffordd Marli where there are a number of scattered properties, to reach the 400kV tower line, where the overhead line terminates and an underground cable runs along tracks and road into the St Asaph substation.

EIA Scoping Report 17

3.0 PLANNING CONTEXT

Introduction Methodology 3.1 It is anticipated that all access and working areas 3.3 The ES will review relevant documents and will lie within the 1km zone included within the draft provide an overview of national and local policy. Extent of Development and any variations in the OHL All legislative and policy requirements will be alignment which may be necessary as the detail of addressed in this section, and in individual the design progresses will also be achieved within chapters where relevant. this application area. The Environmental Statement (ES) will summarise relevant energy and climate change policy, minerals and waste policy, national planning policy and local planning policy.

Existing Planning Policy 3.2 The planning context within which the preferred route corridor is set, including the existing and future land use allocations along and adjacent to the route is contained within a number of documents including:

p National Policy Statements EN-1 (Overarching Energy National Policy Statement, July 2011) and EN-5 (National Policy Statement for Electrical Networks Infrastructure, July 2011); Meeting the Energy Challenge – A White Paper on Energy, May 2007; p The Climate Change Act 2008; p The UK Low Carbon Transition Plan – National Strategy for Climate Change and Energy, July 2009; p One Wales – One Planet, 2009; p The UK Renewable Energy Roadmap, 2011 p All Islands Approach, 2011; p Energy Wales, 2012; p National Planning Policy Framework, March 2012; p Technical Guidance to the National Planning Policy Framework, March 2012; p Wales Spatial Plan 2008; p Planning Policy Wales, 2011; p Technical Advice Notes to supplement the policy set out in the Planning Policy Wales, in particular: TAN 5: Nature Conservation and Planning, 2009; TAN 8: Renewable Energy, 2005; TAN 11: Noise, 1997; TAN 12: Design, 2009; TAN 13: Tourism, 1997; and TAN 15: Development and Flood Risk, 2004; p Conwy Local Development Plan (draft); and p Denbighshire Local Development Plan.

EIA Scoping Report 19 20 North Wales Wind Farms Connection 4.0 CONSULTATION

Approach to Consultation and Consultation Stakeholder Engagement 4.5 SP Manweb is committed to early engagement 4.1 Consultation is an integral part of SP Manweb’s with communities and as such has carried out approach to line routeing, and many bodies, both two stages of public consultation prior to statutory statutory and non-statutory, have been consulted consultation. The consultation that will be outlined from the inception of the project and throughout in the SOCC forms Stage 3 of SP Manweb’s pre- design development. It is intended that all interested application consultation. A summary of the three parties are given the opportunity to comment upon stages is as follows: the ‘scope’ of the Environmental Statement at an p Stage 1 consultation (non-statutory) – early stage to ensure that potentially significant consultation on route corridor options to assist environmental effects are considered. in the selection of a preferred route corridor. 4.2 The Statement of Community Consultation (SOCC) This was carried out between June 2012 and will set out SP Manweb’s agreed strategy for February 2013. statutory pre-application consultation with the p Stage 2 consultation (non-statutory) – community. The SOCC will set out the specifics consultation on the preferred route corridor of the consultation including the duration of to assist in the selection of a detailed route consultation, the details of public exhibition and alignment. This was carried out between June the locations where community members can find 2013 and July 2013. further information throughout the consultation. p Stage 3 consultation (statutory) – consultation 4.3 The feedback received from Stage 1 of the on the defined proposals. This will be carried consultation (described below) has been used to out as laid out in the SOCC. assist SP Manweb with its choice of a preferred corridor. The feedback received from Stage 2 of Stage 1 the consultation (also described below) is being 4.6 Stage 1 consultation was held in order to help using to assist with the detailed route design. inform the selection of a preferred corridor for the As part of the consultation, feedback from the project. For Stage 1 consultation in June 2012, SP previous consultations will be included in an Interim Manweb held five public exhibitions in Henllan (25 Consultation Report along with details of how it has June), St Asaph (26 June), Nantglyn (27 June), influenced the proposals to date. Cerrigydrudion (28 June) and Denbigh (29 June). 4.4 Statutory agencies with an environmental remit Over 100 people attended the events, which were including CCW (now Natural Resources Wales), advertised through letters to local community Cadw, the Environment Agency Wales and councils, community councillors and organisations Denbighshire and Conwy County Councils were as well as advertisements in the Denbighshire Free advised of the emerging corridor designs and Press and the Daily Post. invited to respond to assist SP Manweb with its 4.7 Following feedback from community members choice of preferred corridor. that, in their view, the level of advertising for these events was not sufficient, SP Manweb sought to address these concerns by extending the period of consultation on the route corridor options and holding a follow up public exhibition on 13 January 2013 in order to reach as many people in the area as possible. 4.8 Details of the follow up exhibition were advertised by letters sent to over 7,500 addresses, local community councils and local councillors as well as being advertised in two local papers. Over 300 people attended the event which led to the collection of over 200 pieces of feedback.

EIA Scoping Report 21 Stage 2 4.9 Stage 2 of public consultation was designed in order to maximise the amount of information and feedback collected on the preferred corridor to help shape the draft alignment and the formal stage of consultation on the proposals. The consultation period ran from 20 June 2013 to 20 July 2013. 4.10 Three public exhibitions were held at venues along the route, the details of which are below (table 4.1).

Table 4.1 Capel Saron Henllan Church Llannefydd Institute Village Hall Saron, Llindir Street, Llannefydd, LL16 4TL Henllan, LL16 5BH LL16 5EA Thursday Friday Saturday 20 June 21 June 22 June 4pm to 8pm 12noon to 5.30pm 10am to 2pm

4.11 The public exhibitions were advertised by letters sent to approximately 2,000 addresses along and near the preferred route by first class post on 7 June 2013. These addresses were drawn from a 1.5km buffer around the preferred route and anyone who had previously been in contact with the project. In addition, quarter page colour adverts were placed in the Denbighshire Free Press and the Daily Post on 12 June 2013. The events were well attended with approximately 200 visitors over the three days. Over 50 pieces of feedback were collected from this stage of the consultation.

22 North Wales Wind Farms Connection 5.0 SCOPE AND METHODOLOGY

Determination of Scope 5.1 This section outlines the approach to assessing p Landscape and visual amenity; the likely significant effects of the construction, p Historic Environment; commissioning, operational and decommissioning p Biodiversity and Geological Conservation stages of the project and the physical area over - Ecology which the project may cause changes to the - Geology, soils and contaminated land; environment. It also outlines the scope of the p environmental topics that will be assessed as part Land use; of the ES. - Agriculture - Open space Phases of the Project p Air quality; 5.2 The main construction phase is anticipated to p Electro and magnetic effects; commence in 2016 and continue for a period of p Flood risk 18 months. For the purposes of this assessment, - Water quality and resources it has been assumed that commissioning and p Traffic and transport; commencement of operation will be 2017. p Socio-economics and community effects; 5.3 With regard to landscape, the assessment of p Emissions; effects extends to 15 years after opening to take - Air quality account of growth in planting where this is provided - Waste management by the project. p Civil and military aviation and defence interests 5.4 Operation is anticipated to last 40 years or p Climate Change; and more, in line with the design life of the electricity p Sustainability. transmission infrastructure, with decommissioning occurring only once the infrastructure is no longer 5.8 As part of the scoping exercise, consideration is required. given to which of these aspects of the environment should be included in the scope of the assessment The Study Area (scoped in) and those that should be excluded, 5.5 The Study Area is defined as the physical area either wholly or partially, on the grounds that they over which changes to the environment are likely would not give rise to, or experience, significant to occur as a result of the 132kV Connection. It environmental effects (scoped out). includes the physical extent of the proposed works, taking into account both temporary and permanent 5.9 Sections 6 to 15 discuss the rationale for scoping land requirements. In general, the Study Area will aspects in or out of the full assessment. For include the 100m wide proposed route alignment each topic, details are presented relating to the and the extent of any necessary access and baseline context / existing environment within the construction areas. Study Area, key issues and concerns with regard to potential effects and their effects, proposed 5.6 A buffer zone of 1-2km will also be included within assessment methodology, and, where appropriate, the Study Area to allow for the inclusion of any assumed mitigation. effects which are likely to be significant. The nature of the baseline environment will be described over Assessment Methodology the Study Area, although this will vary spatially and 5.10 The methodology for the assessment is provided from topic to topic dependant on the individual in this section supported by more detailed topic specialisations and the likely effects. methodologies for specific topics in the relevant sections 6 to 15. Environmental Scope 5.7 Schedule 4 of the EIA Regulations requires that Baseline Context the ES should consider environmental effects 5.11 Baseline information has already been gathered on population (human), fauna, flora, soil, water, from a variety of sources including published data, air, climatic factors, material assets (including desk studies, consultation and field surveys. This architectural and archaeological heritage), data will be updated and expanded where relevant. landscape and the inter-relationship between these factors. This list has been refined and adapted with reference to good EIA practice and covers:

EIA Scoping Report 23 Predicting and Assessing Effects 5.19 Effects of moderate significance or above are 5.12 Relevant criteria or receptors will be used to considered to be significant for the purposes of the determine whether or not the potential effects of the EIA Regulations. proposed 132kV Connection are ‘significant’ and, where possible, will be assessed quantitatively. Cumulative effects Relevant criteria may include: 5.20 The cumulative impact assessment will consider the combined effects of other development p International, national and local designations schemes which, on an individual basis may be p Identified environmental receptors or resource; insignificant, but cumulatively with the proposed p The value of those resources, considering their development, may have a significant effect. designated status, rarity and condition; 5.21 As the North Wales Wind Farms Connection Project p The number, vulnerability or sensitivity of is required to facilitate the construction of a number affected receptors or resource; of planned wind farms within SSA A, those planned p The extent, nature, duration and reversibility wind farms in proximity to the proposed substation of physical changes resulting from the will form part of the cumulative assessment, if construction and/or operation of the necessary through a number of varying scenario. development; This will be applicable for landscape and visual p The ability of the resource or receptor to absorb effects, ecology, historic environment and land change; use. The wind farms which form part of the p Cumulative effects; cumulative assessment will be agreed with the p Consultation feedback; and relevant stakeholders at the commencement of the p The effectiveness of mitigation measures. assessment and periodically reviewed. 5.22 Schemes which are currently known about and will 5.13 Any effects that are considered to be significant, be included in the cumulative assessment, to the prior to mitigation, will be identified in the ES. The extent relevant to each topic, include: significance of effects will reflect judgements as to the importance or sensitivity of the affected p Clocaenog Wind Farm and substation receptor(s) and the nature and magnitude of the p Brenig Wind Farm and substation predicted changes. For example, a large adverse p Nant Bach Wind Farm impact on a feature or site of low importance will p Derwydd Bach Wind Farm be of lesser significance than the same impact on p Mynydd Mynllod Wind Farm a feature or site of high importance. In assessing p Burbo Bank Extension: On shore connection to the magnitude and significance of effects, a the National Grid substation at Bodelwyddan precautionary approach will be adopted and p Gwynt y Mor substation conservative assumptions made where appropriate. p Bodelwyddan Key Strategic Site 5.14 In general, and unless otherwise stated within p North Wales Connection: 400kV reinforcements specific topics included within Sections 6 to 15, to the National Grid the following terms will be used to assess the significance of effects, where they are predicted to 5.23 Schemes at pre-planning stage will not be occur: included within the cumulative effects assessment 5.15 Major beneficial or adverse – where the unless they are in the public domain as part of a development would cause a significant improvement Public Consultation exercise or identified through or deterioration to the existing environment; discussions with Conwy & Denbighshire County Councils as potentially significant. 5.16 Moderate beneficial or adverse – where the development would cause a noticeable 5.24 The other elements of the North Wales Wind Farm improvement or deterioration to the existing Connection project (the collector substation and environment; any sections of underground cable) will also be included in the cumulative assessment. 5.17 Minor beneficial or adverse – where the development would cause a barely perceptible Assessment of Alternatives improvement or deterioration to the existing 5.25 Schedule 4 of the EIA Regulations requires the ES environment; and to include an outline of the main alternatives studied 5.18 No change / Negligible – no discernible by the applicant and provides an indication of the improvement or deterioration to the existing main reasons for the applicant’s choice, taking into environment. account the environmental effects.

24 North Wales Wind Farms Connection 5.26 The following types of alternative assessment will be considered and described in the ES:

p Alternative Sites – discussion of alternative locations for the development, in this case alternative connection points, routeing options and alignments within the preferred corridor and alternative locations for other required infrastructure; and p Alternative Designs/Technologies – e.g. potential for steel lattice towers and underground cable sections of the route.

Proposed Structure of the Environmental Statement 5.27 The ES will comprise the following set of documents:

p ES Non-Technical Summary (NTS) – comprising a summary of the key issues and findings of the EIA; p ES Volume 1: Main Text – comprising the full text of the EIA with the proposed chapter headings as follows:

- Introduction – including general background information, the legislative requirements of the EIA, description of the site and surroundings, details of the applicant making the planning submission and the environmental assessment team; - Approach to EIA – detailing the methodologies employed as part of the EIA and any issued agreed to be scoped out; - The Proposed Development; - Alternatives and Design Evolution; - Planning Policy; - Biodiversity and Geological Conservation; - Landscape and Visual Effects; - Historic Environment; - Flood Risk; - Land Use; - Noise and Vibration; - Socio Economic; - Traffic and Transport; and - Electric and Magnetic Fields

p ES Volume 2: Figures – comprising the figures, in A3 format, visually presenting the data and findings of the EIA; and p ES Volume 3: Technical Appendices – this will provide supplementary details of the environmental studies conducted during the EIA including relevant data tables, figures and photographs where applicable.

EIA Scoping Report 25

6.0 BIODIVERSITY AND GEOLOGICAL CONSERVATION ECOLOGY Introduction 6.1 This section of the ES will address the issues relating 6.6 Desk Study - Biological record data has been to existing ecological conditions within the vicinity purchased from North Wales Environmental of the proposed development. The ES will identify Information Centre (COFNOD) and The Vincent and describe existing ecological features within Wildlife Trust. Requests for data were also made to and around the proposed location of the works in Clwyd Badger Group, North East Wales Amphibian a defined area and assess the significance of the & Reptile Network, New Wildlife Reptile & effects of the proposed connection and associated Amphibian, Denbighshire County Ecologist, North infrastructure on these ecological features in Wales Wildlife Trust, Conwy County Council, RSPB, conjunction with agreed mitigation measures. Clwyd Bat Group, The North Wales Dormouse 6.2 Recommendations for avoidance, mitigation, Project and Forestry Commission Wales. The RSPB and enhancement measures will be proposed to have bird records which were not purchased at this minimise any adverse effects of the Project on time. Middlemarch Environmental Consultancy ecological features and the significance of any also provided records of great crested newts for residual effects will be assessed. St Asaph Business Park. Several Environmental Statements were consulted for additional 6.3 Scope of baseline ecological surveys and scheme information: Burbo Bank Extension – Offshore details as they relate to ecological receptors have Wind Farm (Dong Energy, 2012), Clocaenog Wind been discussed with NRW (and previously CCW Farm (RWE Npower Renewables Ltd, 2009), Nant and the Environment Agency Wales). Bach Wind Farm (Dulas Ltd, 2008) and Brenig Wind Farm (Natural Power, 2007). Baseline Context 6.4 Three workstreams provide the information that 6.7 Data was requested for all notable and protected sets out the current ecological baseline, namely species, along with notable and designated sites an initial online search, the desk study and survey for the study corridor, as described in Section work carried out thus far. 1.16 (Blue-Green Link corridor option), including a 2km buffer. This data includes the current 100m 6.5 Online search – An initial interrogation of online route alignment corridor as described in Section 2. databases, including the National Biodiversity Findings have been described briefly below: Network website gave an indication of species distribution; this was undertaken for selected p Designated sites – the Elwy Valley Woods species and it is acknowledged that this is not a Special Area of Conservation and Site of comprehensive list: Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), is located to the north-west of Henllan. The Mynydd p Great crested newt Triturus cristatus – few Hiraethog SSSI lies to the west of the records in the lower lying northern areas southernmost point of the original route corridor towards St Asaph options; this is approximately 2.3 km west of the p Water vole Arvicola amphibius – records mostly current 100m corridor. to the east and the north east, outside of the p Protected Species – a range of key species proposed route corridors and groups was identified within the area of p Reptiles - few records for common lizard and grass the desk study. Records supplied dated from snake in the lower lying areas towards St Asaph as early as 1896 to 2013. These species are p Crayfish Austropotamobius pallipes – no outlined below: records - Hazel Dormice – most records returned p Red squirrel Sciurus vulgaris – possible issues were from Hafod wood, West of Henllan to the south, most records are south east of the where a dormouse study program is on- proposed route. going, there was one record in the Blue/ p Dormice Muscardinus avellanarius – no records Green corridor. p Bats – nine species recorded in the area, not - Badgers Meles meles – numerous clear whether these are roosting or not. records, widespread in the Study Area.

EIA Scoping Report 27 - Bats - numerous records, widespread in - Reptiles – numerous records for the the Study Area; in particular eight lesser Mynydd Hiraethog SSSI with several horseshoe bat Rhinolophus hipposideros records of Adder Vipera berus and roosts in the north of the Study Area Common Lizard Zootoca vivipara in between Henllan and the river Elwy were heathland approximately 200m outside returned, although all but one of these the Blue-Green corridor Study Area to the fell outside the route corridor. There south-west. Slow worm Anguis fragilis were also records of a whiskered bat records outside the Study Area 300m east Myotis mystacinus roost and common of the Blue-Green corridor at Henllan. pipistrelle Pipistrellus pipistrellus bat - Red squirrel – no records in the Study roost at Bodelwyddan Castle, which is Area, records in Clocaenog Forest, the approximately 1.7 km to the north west of closest 700m south west of the Green- the route corridor at the north end. Other Blue corridor. records of Natterer’s bat Myotis nattereri, Daubenton’s bat Myotis daubentonii, 6.8 Survey work – based on the desk study data and noctule Nyctalus noctula, brown long- experience of undertaking ecological surveys and eared bat Plecotus auritus and common carrying out ecological impact assessments a list pipistrelle and soprano pipistrelle of surveys was proposed. Following a meeting Pipistrellus pygmaeus were also returned, with Natural Resources Wales (NRW) in May 2013 many of which fall outside the route the species surveys, the survey areas and survey corridor. methods were reassessed. It should be noted that - Birds – Numerous records of common some surveys have already been completed, some bird species were returned from the data are ongoing and others are programmed: search. Species of particular conservation p Extended Phase 1 Habitat Survey – concern were mainly associated with the approximately 35% complete for the Blue/Green upland area to the south and Gors–Maen– corridor. It is proposed to complete the survey Llwyd, Wildlife Trust reserve near Llyn in 2014 for the 100m wide corridor. Brenig and Clocaenog forest. Species p Hedgerow Regulations Assessment – part recorded breeding in this area include complete, included as part of the Extended black grouse Tetrao tetrix, hen harrier Phase 1 Habitat Survey. Circus cyaneus and curlew Numenius p arquata. Badger Survey – part complete, to be completed for the 100m wide corridor with a - There were no records of species that 50m buffer. Preliminary results show badgers to are typically susceptible to collision with be present in most woodland, within the route overhead power lines such as swans corridor. and geese other than records of greylag p geese Anser anser from Llyn Brenig which Vantage Point Survey – survey completed. A are considered likely to be introduced full 12-months survey has been undertaken and not from native wild populations or at two locations during winter 2012 and the migratory populations from Iceland. spring, summer and autumn of 2013 at the south end of the route corridor. Results were - Otter Lutra lutra - Records for otter relate dominated by gull flights to and from Llyn mainly to the River Elwy, with one record Brenig, where there is a large mixed gull roost of a road kill near Groes on the A453 from in winter, but the reservoir is also used by lower 2001. numbers of mainly herring gull Larus argentatus - Water vole – Three records outside the and lesser black-backed gull Larus fuscus in Study Area to the far south, the closest the summer. Low numbers of Curlew (one/two 540m south-west of the Green/Blue birds) were also recorded during spring and corridor. summer near Llyn Brenig, which were thought - Great crested newt – numerous records to be breeding nearby, although evidence in the north of the Study Area around suggests only one pair in the survey area. St Asaph. Additional records for the Raptor flights were mainly common buzzards ponds on the St Asaph Business Park Buteo buteo; merlin Falco columbarius was were kindly provided by Middlemarch recorded on one occasion and two records of Environmental Ltd; these comprised hobby Falco subbuteo were recorded north annual surveys for the last ten years and of Llyn Brenig suggesting they are breeding in included 2013 records. nearby plantation, but outwith the Study Area.

28 North Wales Wind Farms Connection p Black grouse survey – Two pre-dawn/early p Water vole – areas surveyed for otter were also morning black grouse surveys were undertaken considered for water vole, other area to be in suitable habitat at the south end of the route identified during the Phase 1 survey are still to corridor between late March and mid-May be completed. No evidence of water vole has 2013, although no black grouse were recorded. been found to date. p Nightjar survey – Two nightjar survey visits p Great crested newt – Over 160 sites were during June and July 2013 were undertaken visited and when ponds were present these in the only suitable habitat within the route were either rejected, for example slurry ponds, corridor. This was a clear fell section at the or subjected to a habitat suitability assessment south end of the route of the Study Area near by employing the Habitat Suitability Index. the proposed substation opposite the Tir From all the ponds assessed 29 ponds were Mostyn Wind Farm, during June/July 2013. No subject to either a four or six-visit survey. Six nightjars were recorded. ponds were found to have great crested newts p Winter Bird Survey – Winter bird surveys were present. undertaken during November 2012-February p Dormice – Surveys of eight representative sites 2013. As the three route options at the time undertaken, six sites complete, two sites to were undecided upon and land access was be completed in November 2013, following restricted to public rights of way, a drive practice guidelines and recommendations round survey was undertaken scanning fields described in the Dormouse Conservation particularly for flocks of waders and wildfowl. Handbook 2nd Edition (Bright et al. 2006) for Results produced typical common resident nest tube surveys. Preliminary results suggest and migrant hedgerow species, gulls along that dormice are present in sites throughout the the route options and low numbers of lapwing corridor. Vanellus vanellus were found in fields in the p Red squirrel – surveys to be undertaken in north of the Study Area. 2014, but will be restricted to suitable habitats p Breeding Bird Survey – Completed in Spring/ in the south of the route corridor. Summer 2013 for seven 1 km grid squares, p Reptiles – survey sites to be selected once selected to be representative of the whole Extended Phase 1 Habitat Survey is complete. route. An evening visit to record snipe was also p Arboricultural – an assessment of trees under undertaken in the south of the Study Area in the BS5837 will be undertaken. Effected suitable habitat Results showed a typical range vegetation will be investigated to identify of species likely to be found within the habitats whether it is statutorily protected (e.g. covered associated with the route. by Tree Preservation Orders or Hedgerow p Bats – completed in early autumn 2013. Four Regulations 1997). transects surveys were undertaken selected in areas consider to be good habitat for bats or close to known roost sites identified from desk Potential Effects study records. These transects were surveyed 6.9 At the current time, based on the desk study data, on three occasions one of these was a driven survey work that has been undertaken and liaison transect covering a large proportion of the with NRW the following comments are made on southern area of the site. Further surveys for potential effects: bats are anticipated when a final 100m corridor p Designated sites – potential impact on the Elwy is selected which would include inspections Valley Woods Special Area of Conservation both of any mature trees likely to be affected by the during and after construction. proposed development. Results so far show a p Badgers – surveys to date indicate that badgers large maternity roost of soprano pipistrelles at a are widespread and there is the potential to property next to the River Elwy within the route disturb badgers during the construction phase. corridor and a typical range of species were p Birds – some potential to destroy breeding bird recorded along the transect surveys including habitat during construction and some post- Daubenton’s bat, noctule and common and construction collision hazard. soprano pipistrelles. Other species may be p Bats – potential interruption in commuting route found when further sound analysis is completed. as a result of lost sections of hedgerow where p Otters – Surveys were undertaken along the poles are to be erected. River Elwy, River Asa and a catchment stream p Otters – evidence of otter along the River Elwy near Plas Buckley were surveyed in 2013. and, therefore potential to disturb otters during Results show otters to be present on the Elwy construction. and stream near Plas Buckley, with numerous field signs recorded on the Elwy.

EIA Scoping Report 29 p Water vole – Even if present, effects are 6.13 EcIA will include the following stages: considered unlikely, because of this species’ close association with water bodies. p Scoping, involving consultation to ensure the widest possible input to the definition of p Great crested newts – survey found great the scope of an EcIA (in practice, scoping is crested newt breeding ponds to the north and iterative throughout the EcIA process); around the Henllan area, further south than desk study records. Potential to disturb this p Identification of the likely zone of influence species and destroy small areas of terrestrial arising from the whole lifespan of the project; habitat during construction. p Identification and evaluation of ecological p Dormice – found at several sites at locations not resources and features likely to be affected; previously recorded; also note, some sites with p Identification of the biophysical changes likely dormice present were considered sub-optimal to affect valued ecological resources and habitat. Potential to disturb this species and features; destroy habitat during construction. p Assessment of whether these biophysical p Red squirrel – Not yet surveyed, if present in changes are likely to give rise to a significant woodland on the route then there would be ecological impact, defined as an impact on the some potential to disturb this species, with integrity of a defined site or ecosystem and/or some possible loss of habitat. the conservation status of habitats or species p Reptiles – Some disturbance during within a given geographical area, including construction would be possible if reptiles are cumulative effects; found to be present. p Refinement of the project to incorporate p Arboricultural – Subject to the final route ecological enhancement measures, mitigation alignment, there is the potential to impact on measures to avoid or reduce negative effects, individual standard trees growing in hedgerows and compensation measures for any residual and areas of woodland. significant negative effects; p Assessment of the ecological effects of the 6.10 In summary the majority of potential effects would refined project and definition of the significance be during the construction phase. It is understood of these effects; that the wooden poles are likely to be located in, or p Provision of advice on the consequences for very close to, hedgerows. Hedgerow, as a habitat decision making of the significant ecological type, is very common in the wider area, however, the effects, based on the value of the affected majority of land in the area is improved grassland of resource or feature; and low ecological value; consequently the hedgerows p Provision for monitoring and following up the are the key habitats in large sections of the route implementation and success of mitigation and several protected species, as described measures and ecological outcomes, including above, could be present. feedback in relation to predicted outcomes. 6.11 Some sections of the route may utilise underground cables, in which case effects on species and Potential Mitigation Measures habitats will differ from the wooden pole sections. 6.14 General mitigation – key areas of ecological Effects on hedgerows and grasslands are as sensitivity will be avoided through sensitive described in 6.10, however, there is a potentially alignment. Detailed protected species and greater impact, albeit a temporary one, on some botanical surveys may be necessary when protected species such as great crested newt and micrositing pole positions. Examples of general badger. mitigation have been included below; clearly this is not an exhaustive list: Assessment Methodology p A minimum 30m stand-off from any badger sett. 6.12 The ecological component of the EIA would be carried out in accordance with the Guidelines p Consider timing of works to avoid bird breeding that have been developed by the Institute of season. Ecology and Environmental Management, now the p Avoid siting wooden poles in hedgerows when Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental close to great crested newt breeding ponds. Management. The Guidelines for Ecological p Ensure only a small gap in hedgerows to Impact Assessment in the United Kingdom (IEEM, maintain bat commuting routes. 2006) were developed to “promote good practice p Checking mature trees for bat roosts if works in Ecological Impact Assessment (EcIA)”. are likely to impact e.g. disturbance, assuming such trees would not be directly impacted. p Hand searching of hedgerows to ensure no impact on dormice.

30 North Wales Wind Farms Connection p Vegetation clearance during winter months Habitat Regulations Assessment: should be undertaken by hand, and in a information to inform appropriate sensitive manner to minimise the likelihood assessments of disturbing or killing hibernating dormice. 6.16 The proposed development does not intersect any Summer clearance, preferably in May and late Natura 2000 sites, however, the route may pass September, when there is less likelihood of close to the Elwy Valley Woods SAC. SP Manweb young being present in nests, is suitable for will continue to liaise with NRW over the potential small areas of dormouse habitat, less than impact, in order to determine whether there is the 50m² of woodland, larger areas of low quality potential for a significant effect. It is considered habitat and short lengths of hedge. Small unlikely, but should there be deemed to be a sections of vegetation should be taken out, significant effect then there will be a requirement by hand, over successive days at a time of to provide information to inform appropriate year when the animals are active and able to assessment to be completed subsequently by respond immediately. the competent authority under The Conservation p Avoid any clearance of more than 10% of (Natural Habitats (c) Regulations 1994 (the any woodland to avoid increased carrying ‘Habitats Regulations’). capacities. 6.17 A report identifying any European site to which 6.15 Opportunities for enhancement – The key to Regulation 48 of the Habitats Regulations applies, producing valued and meaningful enhancement or any Ramsar sites which may be affected by is to ensure close liaison with local groups who, the proposed development will be submitted with ultimately will have actual, or a sense of, ownership. the consent application. The report will contain In agreeing enhancements with groups such as sufficient information that will enable the Secretary the wildlife trust or a local authority such initiatives of State to make an appropriate assessment of the are more likely to succeed. Examples of potential implications for the sites if required by Regulation enhancement opportunities include: 48.

p There is scope for the management of habitats, including grazing regimes and predator control GEOLOGY particularly in the south of the survey area, Introduction which would benefit breeding species such as 6.18 The baseline outlines the existing geo-environment curlew and black grouse. conditions for the vicinity of the proposed p Large areas of land have been improved development, including geology, soils and for agriculture; in the south it would appear contaminated land. A range of potential effects that some grazed areas are former heather associated with the construction and operation of moorland. A project to take land out of the connection have been considered, and initial agriculture would have genuine tangible review of the likely effects of the 132kV Connection benefits for a range of wildlife. indicates that these are unlikely to result in any p There are many small tracts of woodland in significant effects on the geology of the Study Area. the area which could be managed specifically for dormice. The dormouse is a key species Baseline context in the area and good woodland management Solid (bedrock) Geology would be beneficial. Work should be undertaken 6.19 Much of the area, south-west of Denbigh and St within the retaining woodland, hedgerow and Asaph, comprises of Silurian strata and consists scrub to increase the capacity for dormice. of mudstone, siltstone and sandstone from the This can include careful felling or coppicing Ludlow Series. The strata are bound to the north- work to increase the fruiting of understorey east by the Vale of Clwyd. shrubs. Where there are few opportunities to improve adjacent areas for dormice, 6.20 The Carboniferous strata, lying along the edge of consideration should be given to advance the Vale of Clwyd, comprise siltstone and sandstone planting of new areas nearby, or reduce the level with subordinate mudstone, and limestone with of management in any adjacent hedgerows. subordinate sandstone and argillaceous rocks Planting hedges is advised to connect isolated from the Silesian and Dinantian Series. The strata copses or fill in small gaps. Compensation by have a north-west to south-east strike. the improvement of existing nesting and feeding 6.21 The Permian strata lie along the eastern edge of sites or the provision of new opportunities the Study Area and forms the Vale of Clwyd. It (such as nest boxes) on site, maintenance or comprises sandstone and conglomerate from the reinstallation of hedges and tree lines linking Permian and Triassic sandstones series. wooded areas is also suggested.

EIA Scoping Report 31 6.22 Several fault lies run north-south across the Study Proposed Assessment Methodology Area. 6.28 The following activities will be undertaken as part of the EIA: Drift (Superficial) Geology 6.23 Extensive Quaternary deposits cover the Study p Liaison with Conwy and Denbigh County Area. Diamicton Till is deposited over the majority Councils, the Environment Agency Wales of the lower-lying topography, with occasional (now part of Natural Resources Wales) and alluvium deposits consisting of clay, silt and sand other relevant organisations (British Geological found primarily along the course of the River Clwyd. Survey, etc.) to obtain available information on the proposed route in respect of contamination 6.24 There is no evidence of hard rock outcrops or soft and ground conditions, particularly with regard superficial deposits such as peat, within the Study to the potential presence of peat deposits; Area which would present a constraint to the route p A further check will be made of the Conwy of the overhead lline. There are, however a number & Denbigh Minerals Plans, and liaison with of peat deposits found just to the south-west the Councils’ Minerals Teams, to ensure the of the Study Area, within the Clocaenog Forest, accurate identification of mineral reserves; approximately 900m to the west, southwest and p south of the proposed start of the overhead line. Liaison with DEFRA with regard to Soil Classifications. Mineral protected areas for potential future exploitation 6.29 The effects of the proposed development on 6.25 The route crosses a number of Mineral Safeguarded geology and soils, and from contaminated land, Areas for sand and gravel and limestone, and will largely occur during the construction phase and close to an area for sandstone and igneous rocks will, therefore, be temporary and of short duration. (within 200m). Potential issues to be addressed are : p Disturbance of underlying geology; Potential Effects p Presence of potential geo-engineering hazards, 6.26 The initial routeing study work for this project p The potential presence of mineral reserves and involved gathering environmental constraints the potential for their sterilisation as a result of information including geology and soils. Such the development; information is necessary because it can indicate p Possible presence and mobilisation of localised where unsuitable ground conditions may prove areas of contaminated ground that may have a constraint in terms of constructing the 132kV resulted from historical uses or be occurring Connection. Rock outcrops, soil stability and currently. soil depth all potentially affect the construction and installation of the wood pole supports of the 6.30 The ES will describe the environmental baseline, overhead line. predicted effects and make recommendations for 6.27 An assessment of the potential effects of the project mitigation. on the underlying geology and soils, and from 6.31 Potential effects will be assessed before and after potential contaminated land, will be undertaken. mitigation measures have been taken into account. This assessment will be undertaken largely by All effects identified during construction will be means of a desk study, utilising information considered as temporary effects. from the published mapping and preliminary assessment to identify geo-hazards such as superficial deposits and bedrock geology, former Potential Mitigation Measures 6.32 Where significant effects cannot be ‘designed out’ mining (including coal, metalliferous, ironstone of the development (through sensitive alignment evaporate, sandstone, etc.), made ground, former etc.), opportunities for reduction and offset of surface mineral sites (which may contain non- effects will be considered. engineered fill, wastes, etc.) compressible ground, running (sand) conditions, shrink swell clays and landslip.

32 North Wales Wind Farms Connection 7.0 LANDSCAPE AND VISUAL

Introduction 7.1 Landscape and visual impact assessment (LVIA) is use of matrices and single word descriptions when one of the key components of the EIA process. A arriving at judgements of significance. The third full and detailed assessment of the likely landscape edition guidance advocates a step by step process and visual effects of the proposed connection will of evaluation, supported by clear, well-reasoned be undertaken and provided as part of the ES. narrative text to allow the identification of significant In accordance with the EIA Regulations, this will effects to be as transparent as possible. For the identify the potential for any effects which may arise purposes of the landscape and visual assessment as a result of the development during construction, methodology set out in this chapter, any reference operation and decommissioning. to GLVIA is a reference to the 2013 third edition. 7.2 The ES will also describe and assess any 7.7 In addition to the GLVIA, the following guidance and cumulative landscape and visual effects which are sources of information will also be taken into account: likely to arise from the development. These are p Cadw, Register of Historic Parks and Gardens; the additional effects, which can occur particularly p Cadw and the Countryside Council for Wales, where overhead line sections of the development Register of Historic Landscapes in Wales; are seen in conjunction with other existing, consented or proposed overhead lines, wind farms p Countryside Agency and Scottish Natural and any other major developments. Heritage, Landscape Character Assessment: Guidance for England and Scotland, 2002; 7.3 The proposed connection is an overhead line, p Countryside Council for Wales, Landscape but sections of underground cable are possible. Character Map for Wales, 2010; Underground cables are likely to give rise to more p Entec, Review of Guidance on the Assessment short term construction effects than overhead lines, of Cumulative Effects of Onshore Windfarms whereas overhead lines give rise to more long Phase 1 Report, 2008; term operational effects. Overall the landscape p Landscape Institute, Photography and and visual effects of an overhead line are likely to Photomontage in Landscape and Visual Impact be more significant than the construction effects Assessment: Advice Note 01/11, 2011; arising from an underground cable. p Landscape Institute/Institute of Environmental 7.4 As recommended by the Landscape Institute, the Management and Assessment, Guidelines for landscape, visual and cumulative effects of the Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment 3rd development will be assessed under separate Edition, 2013; sections within the ES chapter on landscape and p National Grid, The Approach to the Design and visual effects. Routeing of New Electricity Transmission Lines, 2011; p Scottish Natural Heritage and Countryside Guidance Agency, Topic Paper 6. Techniques and Criteria 7.5 The assessment will be carried out in accordance for Judging Capacity and Sensitivity, 2002; with guidance set out in the Guidelines for p Scottish Natural Heritage, Guidance: Cumulative Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment Effects of Windfarms Version 2, 2005; (GLVIA), published by the Landscape Institute p (LI) and IEMA. GLVIA is the established good Scottish Natural Heritage, Visual Representation practice guidance for landscape and visual impact of Wind Farms: Good Practice Guidance, 2006; assessment. The third edition was published in p The Countryside Council for Wales, LANDMAP April 2013 and this will replace the earlier editions. Information Guidance Note 3: Landscape and This takes account of changes that have taken Visual Impact Assessment, 2008; place since 2002 when the second edition was p Conwy Landscape Assessment; published. Since then the UK has both signed p The Holford Rules Guidelines for the Routeing of and ratified the European Landscape Convention, New High Voltage Overhead Transmission Lines which places new obligations on government in with NGC 1992 and SHETL 2003 Notes1; and, dealing with landscape matters and emphasising p Welsh Assembly Government, Technical Advice the role that landscape can play as an integrating Note (TAN) 8: Renewable Energy, 2005. framework for many areas of policy.

7.6 Although the principles advocated are broadly 1 The Holford Rules were formulated in 1959 by Sir William (later similar to the second edition, there is recognition Lord Holford). These have been reviewed and it has been con- that the previous guidance overemphasised the cluded that they have stood the test of time, so they will continue to be used as a basis of the approach to overhead line routeing. EIA Scoping Report 33 Inter-relationship between Landscape and 7.14 The outer limit of normal perceptibility when a Visual Assessment and other EIA topics wood pole overhead line is fully backclothed 7.8 In recognition that features within the historic (where the overhead line is seen from a particular environment overlap with landscape and visual viewpoint against a solid backdrop, usually rising matters, the survey of the landscape for the baseline ground or woodland) is generally 1.5km. This limit landscape and visual assessment will ensure that of perceptibility increases to 5km for a steel tower. visible archaeological remains and cultural heritage 7.15 The visual effect resulting from sections of a wood sites such as hillforts are recorded and judgements pole overhead line that are skylined (where an made as to their contribution to the landscape. Use overhead line is seen from a particular viewpoint will be made of historic landscape information and outlined against the sky with no solid backcloth) will there will be liaison with the specialists undertaking generally be greater than the effect resulting from the Historic Environment assessment. sections of line that are backclothed. The outer 7.9 Similarly, whilst information on habitats, particularly limit of perceptibility when the wood pole overhead woodlands, trees and hedgerows will be fully line is seen fully skylined is 5km, and 10km for a covered in the chapter on ecology, changes to steel tower. these habitats arising from the development, may have significant implications for the landscape Baseline Context and visual interests. Information will therefore 7.16 This will comprise a description and appraisal be shared and exchanged with the specialists of the existing landscape and visual conditions undertaking the ecological assessment. of the area. It is the baseline against which the landscape and visual changes arising from the 7.10 With respect to tourism and recreational interests, development will be described and judged. It will the landscape assessment is concerned with the identify sensitive landscape and visual receptors wider landscape setting of these features, their which will be used in the assessment process. contribution to the landscape and how this and views to and from them may be affected by the 7.17 The baseline context will include: development. Information will therefore be shared p A review of relevant local planning policy and and exchanged with the specialists undertaking designated features; the socio economic assessment. p Identification and clear description of the The Study Area landscape of the Study Area; 7.11 The route corridor begins at the elevated upland p A description of the pressures for change moorland and hill forest areas of the Clocaenog currently being exerted on the landscape; Forest and then passes through a rolling, p An assessment of the landscape sensitivity more intimate scale landscape of pastoral hills of the Study Area to the proposed 132kV occasionally interspersed with woodland and Connection; and wooded valleys. The route then passes through p The nature of the visual amenity of the area the valley of the River Elwy whose densely wooded likely to be significantly affected by the sides rise steeply as they cut through to the development and identification of potential surrounding low hills and ridges and finally across visual receptors, including establishing, the the broad, relatively low and well defined valley at number and sensitivity of the people who may St Asaph. be affected, the viewing distance, the type of view, view type and the potential for cumulative 7.12 Whilst, theoretically, the Study Area for the views. Aspects of particular importance in this landscape and visual assessment could include respect will be views from settlements, historic the full geographical area over which any effect landscapes and features, key routes, tourist/ may be experienced, in practice the assessment visitor attractions and promoted viewpoints. will focus on those areas which have the potential to experience significant effects. 7.13 Perceptibility is the distance beyond which the casual observer is unlikely to be aware of the presence of an overhead line. Knowledge of the Study Area and a review of the visibility of the New Kinmel Bay to Moelfre 132kV overhead line, which is of a similar design to that proposed, allows the following assumptions to be made.

34 North Wales Wind Farms Connection Work undertaken to date where this is acceptable, in terms of impact on 7.18 A large quantity of baseline data has already been quality of life, amenity, viability and biodiversity acquired through desk and field surveys, which in line with Policy DP/6. have been ongoing since 2011, including the e. Provide Supplementary Planning Guidance following: (SPG) on onshore wind energy in relation to national guidance provided by the Welsh p Identification of the local landscape character, Assembly Government, in line with Policy DP/7 including verification of published assessments ‘Material Consideration’. and LANDMAP data; p Desk based assessment of landscape sensitivity to a 132kV overhead line across the Denbighshire Local Development Plan wider Study Area for the North Wales Wind (adopted June 2013) Farms Connection Project; 7.22 Local Development Plan Vision: Denbighshire will p Field based assessment of landscape and be making a significant contribution to managing visual sensitivity to a 132kV overhead line, along climate change through the promotion of renewable each of the broad route corridors, including energy technologies. considerations for overhead line routeing; Objectives: Energy p Field based visibility overview of the preferred 7.23 The Local Development Plan (LDP) will ensure route corridor and its surroundings, including that Denbighshire makes a significant contribution identification of key visual receptors; and, to reducing greenhouse gasses both through Local Planning Policies supporting the principal of supporting large wind farm development within identified zones and other Conwy Draft Deposit Local Development Plan renewable energy technologies. 7.19 Policy NTE/1: In seeking to support the wider economic and social needs of the Plan Area, the Policy VOE 9 - Large scale wind farms County Borough Council will seek to regulate 7.24 As a broad principle and subject to other development so as to conserve and, where environmental considerations the Local possible, enhance the Plan Area’s natural Development Plan will permit large scale wind environment, countryside and coastline. farm applications within the Clocaenog Strategic 7.20 Policy NTE/5: Development will only be permitted Search Area provided that that they are acceptable where: in terms of other Local Development Plan policies and: a. It respects and retains or enhances the local character and distinctiveness of the individual i) habitat creation or restoration is in keeping with Landscape Character Areas in which is it the Clocaenog Statement of Environmental located; Master Planning Principles; and b. The design of all buildings and structures, and ii) consideration is given to the cumulative the materials proposed, closely reflect the built impact on surrounding communities. Where form of the locality; the development of a wind farm will have c. In appropriate cases, the proposed an unacceptable cumulative impact on a development is accompanied by a landscaping community it will be refused. scheme which takes into account the effect and visual impact of the development. Landscape Designations

7.21 Policy NTE/6: The efficient use and conservation of National Parks natural resources are essential to the overall quality 7.25 Snowdonia National Park is located to the south- of life within the Plan Area and to support wider west of the Study Area at a distance of 12km. The social and economic sustainability objectives. The park covers 1325km² and includes four peaks over Council will: 1000m, 14 over 900m and Snowdon as the highest mountain in England and Wales at 1085m. The b. Promote renewable energy sources within landscape is characterised by rugged mountains, development proposals which support energy wooded valleys, fast flowing rivers, waterfalls, lakes generation from biomass, marine, waste, solar and coastline. and wind sources, including micro generation

EIA Scoping Report 35 Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty Landscape Character 7.26 The Clwydian Range and Dee Valley Area of 7.32 The landscape through which the development Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) is located to passes displays differing landscape characteristics, the east of the Study Area and abuts the north- ranging from exposed and afforested uplands of eastern edge at its closest point. It was designated the Clocaenog Forest, through the rolling farmland in 1985 (and extended to include much of the Dee of the Rhos Hills, and on to broad, wider valley at Valley in 2011) and covers 389km². St Asaph.

Heritage Coasts 7.33 The range of different landscape character 7.27 There are no heritage coasts within or in close types/areas will be based on a review of existing proximity to the Study Area. The closest is the assessments including LANDMAP and the Conwy Great Orme Heritage Coast at Llandudno, located Landscape Character Assessment (1995) and over 20km to the north-west of the Study Area. the Countryside Council for Landscape Character Assessment of Wales. Local Landscape Designations 7.34 The Conwy Landscape Assessment classifies 7.28 These are designated at a local level by landscapes through which the route corridor Denbighshire County Council and Conwy County passes as: Borough Councils. p Hill Forest: An extensive conifer forest Denbighshire County Council landscape on high hills and associated steep- sided valleys; Area of Outstanding Beauty p Aled Hiraethog Hills: An extensive and intimate 7.29 The Area of Outstanding Beauty (AOB) covers landscape of high hills and valleys with strong Y Berwyn, the area to the south of the Clwydian rural character, dominated by an ancient Range AONB, located 11km to the south-east field pattern and prominent, occasionally of the Study Area. In recognition of the national unimproved, open hill tops; landscape importance of the area it has been designated as an ‘Area of Outstanding Beauty’ by p Deep Valleys: Dramatic deep narrow valleys Denbighshire County Council. carrying major watercourses, with slopes well- wooded and often interspersed with bracken, Local Landscape Area scrub and unintensive farmland; and 7.30 Much of the Denbighshire landscape outside of p Coastal slopes: Distinct pastoral slopes the AONB and AOB is regarded of high landscape between the coastal and estuary strip and the value, with a number of areas designated as hills and plateau lands to the south. Slopes Local Landscape Areas (LLA). These areas are are often dissected by narrow, incised mostly of particular local landscape importance and are wooded valleys. likely to be sensitive to new development. There are a seven LLA’s within the Study Area, four 7.35 The route corridor passes through 3 Countryside located in and around St Asaph and three on the Council for Wales (CCW) landscape character edge of Denbigh. areas. Area 9 (Rhos Hills) is an undulating landscape of pastoral hills occasionally Conwy County Borough Council interspersed with woodland and wooded valleys such as the Rivers Clywedog and Ystrad. Area 10 Landscape Value Area (Denbigh Moors) is an elevated and predominantly 7.31 These areas have been identified by Conwy upland moorland and afforested landscape. Area Council under their Unitary Development Plan 11 (Vale of Clywd) is a broad, relatively low and well (UDP) as being of value for a range of factors, defined valley. including scenic quality, historical interest, ecology and relationship with the main settlements. The 7.36 The baseline landscape character will include a purpose of the designation is to ensure that the description of the current pressures being exerted local character of these areas is not altered by on the landscape. The primary pressure is windfarm inappropriate forms of development and that development, especially in TAN 8 SSA A. A number features which contribute to local distinctiveness of wind farms have either been consented or are in are preserved. A large area of Landscape Value the planning system and it is proposed to consider lies along the western edge of the Study Area from these as part of the baseline for the landscape and River Elwy in the south, up to and beyond Llyn visual assessment. Brenig.

36 North Wales Wind Farms Connection Landscape Sensitivity Potential Effects 7.37 An assessment of LANDMAP sensitivity criteria Aspects of the development likely to give rise to show that the majority of the route is of medium landscape and visual effects sensitivity, with a short section of medium – higher 7.43 This section will describe the location, scale or higher sensitivity in the vicinity of the Elwy and nature of the development providing all the Valley. This will be verified in the EIA by field based information needed to identify its potential effects assessment. on the landscape or visual amenity, including those arising from all associated and temporary works, Visual Amenity & Potential Visual the long term effects of the completed development Receptors and the decommissioning of the development in 7.38 In accordance with GLVIA, the baseline for the future. assessing visual effects will establish the area in which the development may be visible, the 7.44 A description of the aspects of the development viewpoints from which people may experience likely to give rise to landscape and visual effects at views of the development and the nature and the construction, operational and decommissioning approximate numbers or relative number of the stages will be provided. different groups of people who will be affected by the changes in views or visual amenity. Proposed Assessment Methodology 7.39 A visibility appraisal of five route corridor options Approach to assessing landscape and visual for the new 132 kV Connection was carried out effects during late summer/early autumn 2012. 7.45 Landscape and visual effects arising from the addition of new, large scale structures into the 7.40 Potential visual receptors were identified within landscape are normally considered to have an each of the five route corridor options and a 1 km adverse effect on the character and quality of the buffer of each corridor; as follows: landscape and on views. p Residential receptors - settlements and 7.46 The assessment will include direct effects and any individual properties; indirect, secondary, cumulative, short, medium p Recreational / residential receptors – and long-term, permanent and temporary, positive Registered Parks and Gardens. and negative effects of the development. p Recreational receptors (i.e. caravan parks and picnic sites); Judging significance of effects p Recreational receptors - national and long 7.47 GLVIA recognises that this depends on clear distance footpath routes; and and transparent consideration of the nature of the receptors and the nature of the effect. In Recreational receptors - promoted viewpoints. accordance with GLVIA 3 judgements will be made 7.41 The visibility appraisal was primarily undertaken through a step by step process, with the basis of on site. Where possible the appraisal was carried the judgements at each stage being presented out for each identified receptor location from an clearly and transparently to help ensure that the adjacent publicly accessible place. However, a reasoning behind the judgements is clear. Criteria number of receptors were not accessible; in these used to assess significance will be clearly defined circumstances an assessment was made from and any steps which combine different criteria will the nearest accessible place and by looking back be fully explained. towards the receptor from within the corridor itself. Aerial photographs / satellite images and geo- referenced images were also utilised to reinforce assessments where it was not possible to access a receptor in the field. 7.42 Visual amenity or the extent and pattern of visibility across the Study Area is typically a reflection of the landform and tree cover. The baseline assessment will therefore examine and describe the topography of the Study Area, the extent to which the landscapes of the Study Area are open or enclosed and the distribution of woodland and tree cover.

EIA Scoping Report 37 7.48 Table 6.1 sets out the suggested thresholds of significance to be applied.

Table 6.1: Categories of Landscape and Visual Effect Significance Landscape Effects Visual Effects Major Fundamental change to the character of the Substantial change to the view within the landscape or elements within it context of the wider view Moderate Material change to the character of the Noticeable change to the view with an effect landscape or elements within it on the wider area Minor Discernible but non-material to the character of Slight change to the view within a mainly local the landscape or elements within it context Negligible Little discernible change to the character of the Barely detectable change to the view landscape or elements within it

Assessing landscape effects 7.49 Landscape effects can include change in and/or 7.53 The assessment of landscape value will be partial or complete loss of elements, features or determined as part of the baseline survey through aesthetic or perceptual aspects that contribute to new survey and analysis combined with desk study the character or quality of the landscape. They can of existing landscape character assessments, also include addition of new elements or features work undertaken to date, new survey and field that influence the character and quality of the observation and information from the Stakeholder landscape and alter peoples’ perceptions of it. Workshops on the range of values that people attach to the landscape. 7.50 Landscape receptors, which may be affected by the development include: 7.54 GLVIA 3 recognises that the fact that an area of landscape is not designated either nationally or p Nationally designated landscapes; locally does not mean that it has no value. The p Special landscape areas including LANDMAP European Landscape Convention promotes the areas evaluated as outstanding or High, Special need to take account of all landscapes, with less Landscape Areas (SLAs), promoted viewpoints, emphasis on the special and more recognition that landscapes experienced as key tourist & ordinary landscapes also have their value. recreation routes; p Non-designated landscapes and their setting; 7.55 Establishing the value of the landscape receptors allows judgements to be made about their p Landscapes valued for cultural associations; importance as receptors of specific effects in the p Individual features and characteristics of the context of landscape planning policy and guidance. landscape especially trees & woodlands; p Aesthetic & perceptual characteristics such as Table 6.2: Typical Policy Importance of tranquillity and wildness; and Landscape Receptors p Landscape character & scenic quality, both Policy locally & regionally. Value Attributed Importance National A highly valued landscape or Nature of the landscape receptors containing highly valued features and 7.51 Each of the landscape receptors identified aesthetic or perceptual qualities (for above will be evaluated in terms of their value example, National Parks, AONBs, or importance in policy terms and their relative LANDMAP Outstanding, Registered sensitivity to the development. Historic Parks and Gardens, Welsh 7.52 The value or importance attached to a landscape Historic Landscapes). is a reflection of many factors including landscape Local A locally valued landscape (for character, any designations which may apply and example, covered by a local the value of the individual components which make landscape designation, Open up the landscape, including aesthetic or perceptual Access Areas, LANDMAP High, or features. locally important individual features or qualities). Community Undesignated landscape, which is Importance nevertheless highly valued by the local community.

38 North Wales Wind Farms Connection Sensitivity of the landscape in the content and character of views as a result of 7.56 Sensitivity to change results from interactions loss of existing elements in the landscape and/or between the physical characteristics of the introduction of new elements and how this affects landscape, the way that it is perceived and the the surroundings of individuals or groups of people. nature of development. 7.65 The following receptors have been identified by 7.57 An initial desk based assessment of landscape the visibility overview undertaken by the routeing sensitivity has been undertaken as part of the options study: routeing options study and this will be further p Settlements – Henllan, Llannefydd, Saron; refined as part of the EIA. p Properties within and around Henllan (due to Nature of landscape effects the elevated and constrained nature of the 7.58 Effects on landscape receptors will be evaluated section of corridor which passes Henllan and against the baseline in terms of their magnitude, also the large numbers of elevated properties geographical extent and duration and reversibility. which have views in that direction; p Properties outside the northern end of the 7.59 The magnitude of change will be described and corridor; categorised on a four-point scale of high, medium, p Isolated properties which sit in elevated areas low or negligible. to the southern end of the corridor (opposite 7.60 Effects arising from the development may have an side of the valley to the B4501); influence at the following scales: p The development could affect views from the Clwydian Way as it crosses the route corridor to p at the site level - within and immediately around the west of Henllan and from elevated sections the different components of the development; within the 1 km buffer zone; p at the scale of the landscape character type/ p Views from other recreational receptors that area within which the development lies; and, may be affected include views from the p on a larger scale, covering several landscape following caravan parks: types/areas. - Bryn Glas Caravan Park (receptor 7.61 Duration of landscape effects will be judged on the reference 16, within the 1 km buffer, north following timescales: west of Saron) a small campsite that is screened from the south but has open p construction views of the corridor to the north; and p short term – zero to five years; - Henfryn Farm Caravan Club Caravan p medium term – five to fifteen years; Park (within the 1 km buffer, south east of p long term – over fifteen years; and Groes) a small campsite that has open p dismantling views to the corridor; p The development could also affect views from Evaluating Effects on Landscape Gwaynynog, Foxhall Newydd and the very 7.62 The landscape effects identified will be evaluated south eastern corner of Bodelwyddan Castle; all to determine their significance by combining the Registered Parks and Gardens within the 1 km evaluation of the relative importance and sensitivity buffer zone. of the landscape receptors to the development with the nature of the change or effect on the landscape, Nature of the Visual Receptors including magnitude, duration and reversibility. 7.66 Each of the visual receptors identified above will be evaluated in terms of their relative importance and 7.63 The final overall judgement of the predicted sensitivity to the development. landscape effects will be summarised in a series of five categories of significance – Major, Moderate, Nature of the Effects on Views and Visual Minor, Negligible. In addition, a final statement Amenity summarising the most significant effects that are 7.67 Effects on the views and visual amenity of receptors likely to influence the outcome of the decision are evaluated against the baseline in terms of their making process will be provided. magnitude (including the geographical extent) and duration and reversibility. The magnitude of change Assessing Effects on Views and Visual will be described and categorised on a four point Amenity scale of High, Medium, Low or Negligible. 7.64 This includes an assessment of how people at different locations may be affected by changes to their view or general outlook as a result of the development. The intention is to identify changes

EIA Scoping Report 39 Evaluating Effects on Views and Visual 7.74 The final overall judgement of the predicted effects on Amenity views and visual amenity will be summarised in a series 7.68 As with landscape effects, the visual effects of four categories of significance – Major, Moderate, identified will be evaluated to determine their Minor, Negligible. In addition, a final statement significance by combining the evaluation of the summarising the most significant cumulative effects relative importance and sensitivity of the landscape that are likely to influence the outcome of the decision receptors to the development with the nature of making process will be provided. the change or effect on the landscape, including magnitude, duration and reversibility. Assessing and evaluating Cumulative Landscape Effects 7.69 The final overall judgement of the predicted effects 7.75 Once the landscape baseline has been established, on views and visual amenity will be summarised the effects of the main development will be in a series of four categories of significance – combined with those arising from the additional Major, Moderate, Minor, Negligible. In addition, a developments, thus allowing the cumulative effects final statement summarising the most significant to be identified. effects that are likely to influence the outcome of the decision making process will be provided. 7.76 When considering cumulative effects it is the consequences for the key characteristics of the Cumulative landscape in question that are particularly important, 7.70 Cumulative effects, as defined by GLVIA, result with judgements having to be made about such from additional changes to the landscape or changes may result in a new landscape type/area sub visual amenity caused by the main development type. In making these judgements, the appraisal will in conjunction with other proposed similar consider landscape sensitivity, the policy importance developments. of the cumulative landscape effects predicted, the magnitude and duration of effects. 7.71 The degree of cumulative landscape or visual effect is related to the number and distance between Assessing and evaluating Cumulative Visual individual developments, their intervisibility, the Effects character of the landscape and its sensitivity to 7.77 The aim will be to identify additional effects on particular types of development and the siting and peoples’ views and general outlook resulting from design of each development. the effects of the main development when seen in combination with other developments. These Development included in the cumulative effects may result from changes in the character assessment and content of the views experienced in particular 7.72 The cumulative assessment will include known places arising from the introduction of new planned wind farms in the area (including the elements or removal of or damage to existing ones. four wind farms forming part of this project), and relevant planned developments. The 7.78 Visual effects are typically one of two types (SNH, developments to be included in the cumulative Guidance: Cumulative Effects of Windfarms Version assessment will be discussed and agreed with the 2, 2005), either combined (where the viewer is able relevant local authorities prior to the assessment to see 2 or more developments from one viewpoint) being undertaken. and sequential (when the observer has to move to another viewpoint to see different developments. In Approach to Assessing Cumulative Landscape the case of an overhead line, users of linear routes and Visual Effects such as footpaths or roads may see the different 7.73 Although the baseline may need to be modified developments revealed in succession as a series both in geographical extent and in content to allow of sequential views. for the additional developments, the process and 7.79 For each viewpoint or linear route, the nature of procedures for identifying and judging cumulative the existing view, the predicted view with the main landscape and visual effects is essentially the same development, and the predicted view with the as for the assessment of landscape and visual additional developments will be combined. The aim effects described previously, in that the degree will be to understand and describe the contribution of landscape and visual effect is determined by and importance of the main development to the combining an evaluation of the sensitivity of the overall cumulative landscape and visual effects. landscape or visual receptor, and the magnitude of change. The resulting effect may be described 7.80 For each linear route, the way in which the as ‘not significant’ or ‘significant’ in terms of the sequential view will be experienced will be EIA regulations and the type of effect may be described, including the duration of the view of described as temporary or permanent, direct or other developments when seen in combination indirect, positive or negative. with the main development.

40 North Wales Wind Farms Connection 7.81 Combining the assessments of the importance Zone of Theoretical Visibility and sensitivity of the receptors and the magnitude 7.84 The ZTV identifies areas that may have views of and duration of the additional visual effects will the development. The ZTV will present the worst help determine whether the combined effects case scenario insofar as it will not take account of the main development and the additional of the screening effects of smaller scale surface developments, influences the significance of the features, such as local landform, individual trees, individual effects for each of the developments small woodlands and buildings. Moreover, the ZTV and therefore whether significant effects are likely will give no indication of the likely effect of distance, to arise. GLVIA suggests that the most significant which when combined with the relatively small cumulative visual effects are likely to arise where: scale of wood pole support structures, will serve p ‘developments that are in close proximity to the to further reduce actual visibility. Because of these main development are clearly visible together in limitations, the assessment of the effect on views views from the selected viewpoints; and, will verified by direct field assessment. p ‘developments are highly inter-visible, with Identifying Viewpoints & Views overlapping ZTVs. This is the case even 7.85 The ZTV will also be used to assist identification though the individual developments may be at of viewpoints. Viewpoints will be used to help some distance from the main development and assess the existing visual amenity of the Study from individual viewpoints and when viewed Area, assess the sensitivity of the visual receptors, individually are not significant, the overall illustrate the effectiveness of mitigation measures cumulative effect may be significant.’ and to illustrate the predicted appearance of the development in the view. They may also be Techniques for undertaking & presenting used to illustrate cumulative effects arising from Landscape & Visual Analysis the development. The viewpoint locations will be identified and agreed with NRW, Denbighshire and Mapping visibility Conwy Councils. 7.82 Mapping areas of land from which all or part of the development potentially will be seen as key to 7.86 In accordance with GLVIA two types of viewpoint understanding the visual effects baseline. will be identified: 7.83 There are two main approaches to mapping p representative viewpoints - selected to illustrate visibility. Both approaches will inform the design of a larger number of viewpoints that cannot all be the development: included individually. For example one house may be taken to be representative of the views p Visual envelope mapping – identification in the of a larger number of houses in a settlement field of areas or visual receptors that are likely and certain points may be chosen to represent to have views of the development. A visibility views from public footpaths and bridleways; overview was undertaken for the preferred route and, corridor and this will continue to be refined p specific viewpoints - chosen because they are through field survey as the design progresses; key viewpoints within the landscape including and, for example specific local visitor attractions, p Zone of Theoretical Visibility (ZTV) – digital viewpoints in areas of particularly noteworthy approaches that use elevation data to visual and/or recreational amenity, such create a digital terrain model of the area and as viewpoints carrying statutory landscape calculate the potential extent of visibility of the designations, or viewpoints with particular development. The result is a map showing cultural heritage associations. areas from which the development may theoretically be visible and those from which it will definitely not be visible. Photographs and visualisations 7.87 Photographs will be used in the ES to communicate information about the baseline landscape and the visual effects of the development. When incorporating photographs we will follow the guidelines set out in the following documents:

p Landscape Institute, Photography and Photomontage in Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment: Advice Note 01/11, 2011; and p Scottish Natural Heritage, Good Practice Guidance for the Visual Representation of Wind Farms, 2006.

EIA Scoping Report 41 7.88 In accordance with this guidance we will consider the following points:

p The location from which the photographs are taken will be carefully chosen and justified; p Prevailing weather conditions and atmospheric effects will be described using consistent Met Office terminology, noting any effects of the conditions on the photographs; p Seasonal effects on the photographs and the landscape they are illustrating will be noted; and, p Technical aspects of the photography, including lens type and focal length.

Wirelines & photomontages 7.89 Wirelines are computer generated line drawings based on a Digital Terrain Model (DTM) that illustrate the 3D shape of the landscape and any features within it and are a valuable tool in LVIA because they allow the assessor to compare the position and scale of the development within the wireline to the existing view of a landscape. 7.90 Wireframes indicating the appearance of the proposed overhead line will be prepared for each agreed viewpoint. The wireframes will be geometrically accurate depictions of the proposed overhead line superimposed on a digital terrain model. 7.91 Wireframes are representative of the maximum theoretical visibility of the proposed overhead line on bare ground. In reality, the visibility of the line is variable depending on both the weather and the lighting and will therefore frequently be appreciably reduced from that illustrated.

Potential Mitigation Measures 7.92 Where significant effects cannot be ‘designed out’ of the development (through sensitive alignment etc.), opportunities for reduction and offset of effects will be considered.

42 North Wales Wind Farms Connection 8.0 HISTORIC ENVIRONMENT

Introduction 8.1 The historic environment (or cultural heritage) by Historic Scotland (2010) and by English Heritage is one of the several environmental issues that (2011) for use in their respective countries, but require assessment within the EIA process and neither has been endorsed by Cadw on behalf of is a standard component of any Environmental Welsh Government for use in Wales. Both have Statement (ES). A detailed assessment of the important and useful points to make and both will potential effects of the 312kV Connection on the be consulted during the preparation of the ES. historic environment will be conducted as part of 8.7 Historic Landscapes and Historic Parks and the EIA and reported on in the ES. In accordance Gardens are defined and described in a ‘Register’ with the EIA Regulations, this will determine published in various parts between 1995 and 2001. the potential effects that may arise during the Where it is considered apposite an assessment construction, operation and decommissioning of process known as ASIDOHL2 can be applied to the overhead line. historic landscapes using published guidance 8.2 In addition to any physical effects on the historic (2007). These are the only categories of heritage environment, the ES will address any visual effects asset where detailed information for Wales is readily that are likely to arise from the 132kV Connection. available in a conventional published format. It will also examine potential cumulative effects 8.8 The assessment will be undertaken with reference which could arise where the overhead line is seen to the Code of Conduct 2006 and the Standards in conjunction with other existing, consented or and Guidance produced by the Institute for proposed developments including overhead lines, Archaeologists, the regulatory body for the wind farms and other major developments. archaeological profession. The lead compiler 8.3 The proposed connection is an overhead line, of the cultural heritage assessment is a long- but sections of underground cable are possible. standing member of the IfA and the Clwyd-Powys Underground cables are likely to give rise to more Archaeological Trust (CPAT) is an IfA Registered short term construction effects than overhead lines, Organisation. whereas overhead lines give rise to more long term operational effects. As NPS EN-5 points out an Consultations underground route can be more damaging to the 8.9 It is anticipated that this scoping report will be cultural heritage than an overhead line. sent out to, inter alia, Cadw, Natural Resources Wales and the Archaeological Advisers to the two 8.4 The study will also recommend avoidance, Local Planning Authorities who are affected. It is mitigation and, if appropriate, enhancement anticipated that the final scope and specification measures to minimise the adverse effects of the for the assessment will be agreed and applied 132kV Connection on the historic environment in consultation with each of the three. It is also and the significance of any residual effects will be assumed that contact will be maintained with and assessed. advice sought from each of the three during the duration of the EIA and preparation of the ES. Guidance 8.5 The revised Design Manual for Roads and Bridges (DMRB), Volume 11 Section 3 Part 2, HA 208/07 Aims 8.10 The specific aims of the assessment are to: (2007) offers the most suitable framework for the assessment, for it considers in detail all the p establish and define from existing sources, components of the historic environment. It is the including new fieldwork, the known (and only detailed guidance for the cultural heritage potential) cultural heritage resource within the currently endorsed by Welsh Government. proposed route corridor and the surrounding Although designed for road developments, it area, describing individual heritage assets to a promotes a methodology that is equally applicable level where the reader can determine their form, for linear connections and will be adopted for this nature, location and relationships; assessment. p provide an assessment of the value and 8.6 The issue of the setting of a heritage asset is one importance of identified heritage assets; of considerable importance, but has as yet not p assess the overall impact (both physical and been addressed in Wales through the provision of visual) of the proposed development on known national guidance. Guidance has been published and potential heritage assets;

EIA Scoping Report 43 p assess the cumulative impact of the 132kV p World Heritage Sites. The only statutorily Connection in relation to other developments, recognised category of international actual and proposed; and importance. p make recommendations on the need for, p Scheduled Ancient Monuments. Designated and scope of, further investigative work in the features of national importance, protected formulation of a strategy where the nature and/ under the Ancient Monuments and Areas of or value of the resource is not sufficiently well Archaeological Importance Act, 1979. Their defined to permit a suitable mitigation strategy. settings are also protected, though setting is The need for such additional targeted work will not defined within the Act. depend upon the results of the initial studies; p Listed Buildings. Protected under the Planning p propose mitigation as necessary, to generate (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act an acceptable strategy that ensures the 1990, and classed as Grade I, II* or II, though preservation, recording and management of all are considered to be of national importance. the cultural heritage resource. p Conservation Areas. Protected under the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Baseline Context Areas) Act 1990. p Parks and Gardens. Those considered to be The Legislative and Planning Policy Context of significance appear in the non-statutory 8.11 This will be provided at both a national and a local Register of Landscapes, Parks and Gardens level. of Special Historic Interest in Wales. Though registered rather than designated, historic parks The Study Area and gardens should be considered in much 8.12 The 132kV Connection originates on the elevated the same way as legally designated assets, as upland moorlands and forested area of Clocaenog indicated in Planning Policy Wales (2011). Forest which covers the eastern portion of the p Denbigh Moors, also known as Mynydd Hiraethog. Historic Landscapes. Nationally significant It then passes through the lower, undulating hills landscapes appear in the non-statutory Register that lie to the west of the Vale of Clwyd, where of Landscapes, Parks and Gardens of Special pasture lands are interspersed with occasional Historic Interest in Wales and are classified wooded valleys. The route passes to the west of as either ‘outstanding’ or ‘special’. Though the Meirchion Valley and then cuts across the Elwy registered rather than designated, historic Valley, both part of a deeply dissected landscape. landscapes should be considered in much Finally it swings north-eastwards to terminate in the the same way as legally designated assets, as flatter landscape of the Vale of Clwyd on the edge indicated in Planning Policy Wales (2011). of St Asaph. p Significant undesignated assets. NPS EN-1 (5.8.4) recognises that there can be nationally 8.13 For the purposes of the assessment, the historic important assets which have not been environment study will focus on the 100m-wide scheduled, and these should be subject to proposed route alignment. It will also assess the the same policy considerations as designated nature and density of heritage assets lying within assets. a wider, 200m-wide zone in order to address the p Battlefields. Unlike England there is no register issue of impact from works traffic accessing the line of Welsh battlefield sites currently available. during the construction phase of the Connection. p Undesignated assets. A large number of And for the purpose of establishing the likely visual undesignated heritage assets exist in the impact of the overhead line a 2km wide buffer zone landscape, both above ground where they to either side of the route alignment will be defined. are still visible and buried beneath the 8.14 The limits of visual perceptibility are considered in surface. Planning Policy Wales implies that an the Landscape and Visual chapter of this Scoping undesignated asset is a material consideration document and the reader is referred to sections in the planning process. 7.13-7.15 therein. p Palaeoenvironmental sites. An area of land such as a bog, mire or marsh where the potential for Heritage Elements studying the deposits to clarify past land use 8.15 Heritage assets which collectively make up the and development is high. cultural heritage resource fall within the categories listed below. All are considered designated with the exception of the last three, ‘battlefields’, ‘undesignated assets’ and ‘palaeoenvironmental sites’.

44 North Wales Wind Farms Connection Potential Effects Determining effect 8.21 Effect is determined against criteria laid out in Types of effect a series of tables and matrices provided by the 8.16 Effects on heritage assets will be gauged under the DMRB (2007) for which see 8.5 above. These offer following headings: a set of standards that has been successfully and p Direct – where there would be a physical widely used for EIAs throughout Wales for several effect on a heritage asset caused by the years and thus allow consistency in determining proposed 132kV Connection, typically levels of effect and significance, whether of direct although not exclusively at the construction or or indirect effects. decommissioning stage. 8.22 Techniques to be used in determining effect include p Indirect – where a heritage asset or its setting a Zone of Theoretical Visibility (ZTV) map and, for may be affected visually, or where the setting selected assets, computer-generated wirelines, is affected physically. The former is likely the nature of which are explained in more detail in to occur during the operational life of the the preceding section on Landscape and Visual. It proposed overhead line, the latter typically is assumed that these wirelines will be reproduced although not exclusively at the construction or in the ES. decommissioning stage p Cumulative – where incremental effects arise or Proposed Assessment Methodology may arise owing to the presence of other actual 8.23 An initial desk-based assessment will involve or proposed schemes. Cumulative effects are the examination of readily available primary typically indirect visual effects. and secondary records derived from published, documentary, cartographic, aerial photographic 8.17 It is envisaged that direct physical effects would be and LiDAR sources, including: most likely on heritage assets in the form of above- ground archaeology, below-ground archaeology, p the regional Historic Environment Record (HER) historic landscapes, parks and gardens and maintained by CPAT at Welshpool; palaeoenvironmental sites, and occur during the p other records held by CPAT in Welshpool; construction and decommissioning phases of the p Coflein, the online record maintained by 132kV Connection. the National Monuments Record, part of 8.18 Indirect visual effects would be most likely on the Royal Commission on the Ancient and heritage assets and their settings that come in Historical Monuments of Wales (RCAHMW); the form of above-ground archaeology, listed and if necessary the Royal Commission paper buildings, conservation areas, historic landscapes, archives in Aberystwyth; parks and gardens and during the operational p the National Library of Wales in Aberystwyth; phase of the 132kV Connection. It is recognised and that visual intrusion can occur both by looking p the Flintshire and Denbighshire County out from an asset, and looking towards it from a archives. different location. While all assets can be affected 8.24 Complementing the desk-based work, a field visually, it is those that are designated which will (walkover) survey along the 100m-wide route form the focus within the EIA. alignment will record all visible heritage features, identify areas with the potential to contain 8.19 Cumulative effect would occur primarily in relation unrecorded buried archaeological remains and to designated assets and specifically those close assess the potential effect of the 132kV Connection enough to the proposed 132kV Connection to see on known assets and, where appropriate, their some degree of visual intrusion. settings. No invasive archaeological investigation 8.20 Effects will also be assessed in terms of their is planned during this stage. nature, whether beneficial or adverse, as well as 8.25 Designated assets within 2km of the proposed their longevity and reversibility. In practice, however, route alignment will be visited to determine both few beneficial effects are likely, and almost all will their settings and also the likely indirect visual be adverse. effects from the 132kV Connection. It is anticipated that wireframes will be used to aid the assessment.

EIA Scoping Report 45 8.26 Historic landscapes will be considered, with parts of the registered Lower Elwy valley lying within the 2km buffer zone and its western boundary within a few hundred metres of the route alignment. LANDMAP will be consulted and its descriptions noted; the assessment of the Historic Landscape Aspect will be used in conjunction with the other four Aspects in the Landscape and Visual section of the ES, as recommended by Natural Resources Wales in their Guidance Note 3 (May 2013). 8.27 All assets within the 100m-wide and 200m-wide corridors will be listed and briefly described within the ES, together with the values ascribed to them, DMRB (2007) providing the guide to classification. All designated assets within 2km will be listed and briefly described, unless, as with listed buildings in historic towns, the numbers are so great as to require a selection.

Potential Mitigation Measures 8.28 A further stage of the EIA process is the identification of the measures envisaged to prevent or reduce adverse effects of the proposed 132kV Connection on individual heritage assets. A raft of well-tried measures is available, but the emphasis should be on avoidance and preservation, rather than intervention and preservation by record (i.e. excavation). 8.29 Mitigation options might thus include, although not be limited to, the following:

p minimising negative effects through sensitive design (e.g. adjusting locations of pole positions in areas proposed for the overhead line; adjustments to the route alignment in areas proposed for underground cable; appropriate siting of works compounds etc.); p in situ preservation of below-ground archaeology; p heritage asset recording and surveying; p archaeological excavation, i.e. preservation by record.

8.30 Finally the assessment will consider the residual effects which are those likely significant effects that remain even after mitigation has occurred.

46 North Wales Wind Farms Connection 9.0 FLOOD RISK

Introduction 9.1 This section of the ES will assess the consequences 9.8 A number of tributaries of the Clwyd and Elwy, of flooding on the proposed infrastructure. including Afon Ystrad, Nant Mawr, Afon Conewest and Afon Meirchion flow through the Study Area, Baseline Context primarily originating from Clocaenog Forest. As 9.2 Surface water hydrology refers to the way in which with the River Elwy, these have formed tight, well- water moves over land, and is mainly used to wooded river gorges that transect the area. The describe the flows in rivers and streams in an area. River Clwyd, River Elwy and Afon Ystrad are all The surface water hydrological characteristics of classed as main rivers by the Environment Agency. an area are strongly influenced by topography, 9.9 Several large upland reservoirs lie at the south- geology, soil type and climate. western end of the Study Area, of which Llyn Brenig, on the edge of Clocaenog Forest is the Topography most significant. Two smaller reservoirs, Dolwen 9.3 The landform within the Study Area is primarily a and Plas-uchaf lie at the northern end of the Study series of gently undulating farmed hills and valleys Area, at the foot of Mynydd-y-Gaer. that lie between the open floodplain of the River Clwyd and the uplands of the Denbigh Moors. Flood Risk 9.4 The area is dominated on the eastern edge by the 9.10 The areas of flood risk are indicated by the Clwydian Range, a series of hills and mountains Environment Agency Flood Maps and these show running from Llandegla in the south to Prestatyn both flood zones 2 and 3. Flood zone 3 indicates in the north, with Moel Famau the highest point the area that could be affected by flooding with up at 554m Above Ordnance Datum (AOD). The to a 1% (1 in 100) chance, and flood zone 2 shows landform steeply drops down to the Vale of Clwyd the additional extent of an extreme flood, with up to situated at the western foot of the Clwydian Range. a 0.1% (1 in 1000) chance of occurring each year. The Vale is an open river valley, below 50m AOD, 9.11 As expected, within the Study Area the areas at risk which gradually widens as it approaches the Irish of flooding are found primarily in conjunction with Sea. the three main rivers, River Clwyd, River Elwy and 9.5 The landform gradually rises up to the south-west, Afon Ystrad. The extent of the flood zones for both out of the Vale of Clwyd, to a summit of just over the River Elwy and Afon Ystrad are relatively narrow, 500m AOD at Clocaenog Forest, a large upland typically between 50 and 200m due to the steep Forestry Commission plantation on the edge of topography bounding these rivers. The River Clwyd Denbigh Moors. has a much wider flood zone, particularly east of Denbigh where it is over 1km wide. As the river 9.6 To the north of the Forest, along the western edge travels north the flood zone reduces in width to less of the Study Area, lie a series of hills, Foel Greon, than 500m wide, until stopping altogether just north Moel Tywysog and Moel Fodiar that rise to between of St Asaph at its confluence with the River Elwy. 390-400m AOD. Their steep-sided whaleback landforms form distinctive landscape features. 9.12 While the Study Area is largely devoid of areas of flood risk, due to the location of the St Asaph Surface Water Features substation, the proposed route will have to cross 9.7 Two main rivers lie within the Study Area, the River one or more areas of flood risk, and this may Clwyd and River Elwy. The River Clwyd runs south- present a constraint to routeing. east to north-west along the northern edge of the Study Area from its source in the Clocaenog Potential Effects Forest, along a broad agricultural river valley, to its 9.13 The construction and decommissioning phases confluence at the Irish Sea. The River Elwy flows of the 132kV Connection represent the most broadly west-east through the northern half of significant risk to environmental factors under the Study Area along a tight river gorge, until its consideration in this section. confluence with the River Clwyd. 9.14 Water quality: potential effects due to potential ground disturbance caused by vehicle movements, activities within temporary site compounds and excavation activities; construction and removal of new site access tracks; and the risk of spillage of contaminants, such as oil and hydraulic fluid.

EIA Scoping Report 47 9.15 Flood risk: potential effects due to installation of temporary bridges for access to remote areas; the use of site compounds and access tracks; and the storage of poles prior to installation.

Proposed Assessment Methodology 9.16 A desk-based assessment will be carried out to collect baseline data. The potential effects during the construction phase will be identified and will be assessed using the Construction Industry Research and Information Association (CIRIA) guidance document C624 ‘Development and Flood Risk’. 9.17 The desk-based review will be undertaken using information from the following sources:

p Ordnance Survey mapping p British Geological Survey maps p Natural Resources Wales website.

9.18 Potential effects will be assessed before and after mitigation measures have been taken into account. All effects identified during construction will be considered as temporary effects. 9.19 The assessment shall consider:

p Construction methods and flood resilience of the overhead line in the event of flooding p Potential effects on existing flood defences p Any effects on operation of the overhead line during a flood event.

9.20 The ES will describe the environmental baseline, predicted effects and make recommendations for mitigation.

Potential Mitigation Measures 9.21 Where significant effects cannot be ‘designed out’ of the development (through sensitive alignment etc.), opportunities for reduction and offset of effects will be considered.

48 North Wales Wind Farms Connection 10.0 LAND USE

Introduction 10.1 In general, this section of the EIA will assess 10.8 The classification of soils in terms of agriculture effects in terms of Agricultural Land Classification, is based on the 1:250,000 Agriculture Land land drainage, agri-environment schemes, Classification of England and Wales published by Notifiable Scheduled Diseases and weeds the Department for Environment, Food and Rural (invasive species and injurious weeds). Affairs (DEFRA) and WAG. This map is produced for use in strategic planning and provides a Baseline Context generalised indication of the distribution of land Land use quality. The classification is based on the potential 10.2 Owing to the predominantly rural nature of the productivity, cropping, flexibility and ease of area within which the preferred route corridor is management of an area. The grades range from located, land use is dominated by a mix of pasture 1 (excellent) to 5 (very poor). It is government for grazing and arable. policy, as set out in Technical Advice Note 6, to consider the quality of agricultural land and to Climate bear in mind that, once land is built on, restoration 10.3 The average monthly rainfall for the Denbigh area is rarely possible. is between 37.3mm and 70.7mm. The average summer and winter temperature ranges for the Agricultural land classification area are between 10-21°C and 2-9°C respectively. 10.9 The Agricultural Land Classification for the area is produced from digital information (2000) supplied Soils by WAG, based on the original 1:250,000 maps. 10.4 Soils play an important part in determining the The grade of agricultural land within the Study Area pattern of land uses such as agriculture and ranges from Grade 2 (very good) through to Grade forestry in Wales. This classification is undertaken 5 (very poor). The higher quality Grade 2 land is by the Soil Survey of England and Wales. The only found in the north-eastern end of the Study Area, soil types, which cause problems for construction within the Vale of Clwyd. The centre of the Study are deep (i.e. >1m depth) organic soils such as Area is dominated by Grade 3 land, with the higher peat. ground to the south-west being Grades 4 and 5. 10.5 The Soil Survey of England and Wales handbook 10.10 The southern end of the Study Area is dominated defines peat as “an organic deposit containing by Clocaenog Forest, a large coniferous more than 40% organic matter on a dry weight plantation under the control of Natural Resources basis in the upper 80cm”. It is worth noting that, in Wales (formerly the Forestry Commission). The addition to those areas mapped, there are many forest covers over 100 km², and the majority small deposits which are of insufficient extent lies at over 350m AOD. It was planted in 1905 to be separately mapped at this scale and also on what was mostly moorland and has some that organic soils are major components of many of the best and most well managed coniferous other soil units. plantations in Wales. The forest contains a wide variety of wildlife habitats ranging from the 10.6 The 1:250,000 scale Soils of Wales Map provides dominant conifer woodland, to small areas of the most comprehensive and consistent coverage open heather heathlands, meadows, streams and for Wales. This map shows that the soil type bog, and is home to Black Grouse and the largest varies within the Study Area as the landform rises population of Red Squirrels in Wales. The forest out of the floodplain to the upland moors. They is divided by Llyn Brenig reservoir and the large comprise a mix of cambic stagnogley, brown area lying to the east of the reservoir is publicly earths, brown podzolic and ferric stagnopodzols accessible, providing various opportunities for soils, which support a range of agriculture. public recreation. 10.7 There is an area of raw oligo-amorphous peat soils 10.11 The remainder of the Study Area has a scattering at the south-western end of the Study Area, at the of numerous small blocks of coniferous northern tip of the Llyn Brenig reservoir, and a and broadleaved woodlands, but none of a further number of areas outside of the Study Area commercial nature. to the west. These may present engineering and construction problems and are environmentally sensitive.

EIA Scoping Report 49 Agri-environment schemes 10.12 The status of Glastir Agri-environmental schemes 10.15 Potential operational effects on agriculture as a will be reviewed, and any relevant land areas result of the proposed connection are as follows: identified. p Land-take: Where the proposed connection is constructed as overhead line, the permanent Potential Effects loss of small areas of operational agricultural 10.13 Potential effects are anticipated to be either land associated with the footprints of the temporary or permanent, as follows; poles will occur, particularly in areas of arable p Temporary – Construction and farming. Permanent loss will also arise at Decommissioning Phases: the proposed substation and sealing end - Access areas compound locations. - Working width/area p Soils: The construction of the proposed - Storage areas connection will required the tracking of heavy vehicles across agricultural land potentially - Contractor compounds resulting in the compaction of underlying soils, p Permanent – Operational Phase facilities damage to the soil structure and a potential including: long term reduction in overall soil grade. - Pole locations 10.16 All effects apart from permanent operational 10.14 The majority of the main effects on normal farming land-take can be mitigated, such that the overall operations will arise during the construction and residual effects are likely to be of negligible to decommissioning phases. Effects associated minor significance. with the decommissioning phase are anticipated to be broadly similar to those in construction. Proposed Assessment Methodology Potential effects and effects include: 10.17 An assessment of the potential effects of the 132kV connection on agriculture, and the determination p Temporary loss of crop production and grazing of the significance of the effects arising from areas within the working corridor in areas of these effects, will be undertaken largely by means proposed underground cable, as the field, or of a desk study, utilising information from the a section of the field, will need to be fenced off published sources and from specific liaison and during construction works. Similarly in areas consultation. proposed for overhead line, temporary loss of crop production and grazing areas will occur p Land-take: this will be assessed in terms of along temporary access tracks and within quantity and quality, and the losses evaluated working areas surrounding pole locations. against national and local criteria; Limited areas of agricultural land may be out of p Soils: the workability of topsoils and their production during the construction phase and suitability for reinstatement will be described, for a short period following reinstatement as and effects assessed assuming good working the ground settles and re-establishes; practice is followed; p Disruption to normal farm activities; p Farming practice: the methods of agricultural p Temporary severance of fields or division of working will be described, and the impact of fields; the proposals assessed. Where alternative p Temporary separation of livestock from water methods of working are possible, these will be supplies; examined. Losses in terms of cropping, and p Disturbance during lambing season, increased time to travel to remaining land will depending on the time of the works; be described; p Disruption to field drainage and water supplies, p Access: the general effect on access both into which may require diversion or repair; and out of farms and internally within units will p Impact on the commitments made by the be described; farmers/landowners, etc. with regard to Agri- p Economic effects: the effect of the proposed Environmental Schemes; and development will be described and assessed p Increased risk of disease transmission and in terms of broad economic impact. transfer of invasive weeds associated with Comparative assessments will be made to vehicle movements along the working corridor. evaluate the order of magnitude of the impact. These will be for a comparative assessment only, using standardised data, and will not necessarily reflect accurately the potential

50 North Wales Wind Farms Connection financial losses on each farm. It should be noted that the purpose of this assessment will be to indicate the severity of impact and not to evaluate levels of compensation payable; p Drainage and water supply: disruption of field drains and water supplies requiring diversion or repair will be described; and p Agri-Environment Schemes: details of the schemes, areas and zones within the preferred route corridor will be identified as part of the EIA.

10.18 Information will be obtained from farmers and farm tenants, via consultations between them and the land agent, on farming operations, existing soil conditions, field land drainage and services, etc. More detailed information on agri- environment schemes and organic land will be obtained via discussions with farmers, and with Welsh Assembly Government. Information on notifiable pests and diseases will be obtained and advice sought from on any necessary bio-security measures, as necessary from Natural Resources Wales. 10.19 Landowner liaison will also aid in identification of opportunities for mitigation. Liaison with the Project team will be undertaken to support the design.

Potential Mitigation Measures 10.20 Mitigation measures will be informed by further detailed routeing and design, and will be proposed within the ES. Where significant effects cannot be ‘designed out’ of the development (through sensitive alignment etc.), opportunities for reduction and offset of effects will be considered.

EIA Scoping Report 51

11.0 SOCIO ECONOMIC

Introduction Parks & Gardens 11.1 The 132kV Connection may result in local or 11.8 Of the five Registered Parks and Gardens regional socio-economic effects. Experience has within the Study Area, two are open to the shown that with overhead lines these are most public, Bodelwyddan Castle and Kinmel Park. likely to result from the effect of visual effects Bodelwyddan Castle, in addition to the museum which may indirectly affect tourism and local and gallery, offers visitors formal gardens, historic businesses. parkland and woodlands. Kinmel Park is a large estate which provides numerous recreational 11.2 Effects on views to and from recreation sites, opportunities within its grounds including visitor attractions and linear receptors such as shooting, fishing, horse riding, paintballing, golf formal trails, footpaths, cycleways etc. will be course and driving range. considered fully in the visual assessment and will feed into the socio-economic assessment. Outdoor Recreation 11.9 Hiraethog, the Denbigh Moors, located at Baseline Context the southern end of the Study Area, provides Tourism & Recreation numerous recreational opportunities on the 11.3 Tourism and leisure activities are considered an reservoirs, rivers, forests and moorlands that important economic generator for the region. make up this area. Activities include walking, The area has a variety of attractions and is noted mountain biking, karting, white water rafting, fly- for its historic and cultural features as well as its fishing, red squirrel and bird spotting. The area attractive scenery, which provides the setting for a is focused around the Llyn Brenig Visitor Centre number of outdoor activities and imparts a strong located on the edge of Llyn Brenig. sense of place. Settlements such as Denbigh 11.10 The two country parks of Loggerheads and Moel have maintained their historic charm and are Famau are found within the Clwydian Range largely unspoilt by modern development. AONB. Moel Famau country park lies 11 km to Formal Facilities the east of the Study Area and comprises over 11.4 There are a number of recreational and visitor 1800 acres of open heather moorland divided facilities and resources in the area including a by Offa’s Dyke Footpath and has the distinctive number of sites which are included within the Jubilee Tower ruins on its highest point, at the Register of Landscapes, Parks and Gardens of summit of Moel Famau. Loggerheads Country Special Historic Interest in Wales. Park is 80 acres of a tree lined limestone valley with riverside walks with a history of lead mining Historic Buildings lying over 10km to the east of the Study Area. 11.5 There are two castles within the vicinity, both open to visitors. Denbigh Castle is a 13th century Recreational Routes fortress perched on a rocky promontory above the 11.11 There are several national and regional long town of Denbigh, and is under the care of Cadw distance trails that pass through or lie in the (the Welsh Government’s historic environment vicinity of the Study Area, including: service). It lies outside the 2km Study Area but p Clwydian Way (regional trail) - a 195 km circular affords extensive views over the surrounding long distance footpath, created to celebrate landscape in the direction of the proposed line the Millennium. The route starts and ends in 11.6 Bodelwyddan Castle is a historic house and Prestatyn, and takes in the historic towns of museum set in magnificent parkland with formal Ruthin, Llangollen, Corwen, Denbigh, St. Asaph gardens and natural woodland, situated to the and Rhuddlan. The regional trail crosses the west of St Asaph and within the 2km Study Area. Study Area in three locations. At the southern The Castle is a partner of the National Portrait end of the Study Area it runs east-west along Gallery and is run by an independent charitable the edge of Clocaenog Forest and Denbigh trust. Moors. It crosses the centre of the Study Area, again running east-west round the southern 11.7 The St Asaph Cathedral, lies at the northern end edge of Denbigh, through Henllan to the Afon of the Study Area and claims to be the smallest Aled. It also runs along the north-eastern edge Anglican cathedral in Britain. of the Study Area, following the Vale of Clwyd.

EIA Scoping Report 53 p Hiraethog Trail (regional trail) - a 53km route Camping and Caravanning that starts at the village of Pentrefoelas, crosses 11.16 A number of camping and caravan sites have over the moorland of Mynydd Hiraethog and been identified from OS maps, on line searches ends at Llanrhaeadr, near Denbigh, outside the and during site survey. These are scattered Study Area, to the south-east. throughout the Study Area. p Offa’s Dyke (national trail) - this route lies outside the Study Area, at 500m to the east Tourism Businesses at its closest point. This part of the 285 km 11.17 A number of tourism related businesses have been long national trail follows almost the entire identified within the Study Area, including those length of the Clwydian Range ridge crest, referenced above (tourist attractions, fishing, offering extensive panoramic views over the and camping and caravanning sites) and also a surrounding landscape. number of other accommodation providers, and other retail and food and drink facilities, amongst National Cycle Routes others. 11.12 Sustrans Cycle Trail 84 starts in the centre of St Asaph, outside the northern end of the Study Potential Effects Area, and runs north along the A525 towards Rhyl. 11.18 The proposed development will potentially generate a number of adverse effects on:

Other Recreational Facilities p economic receptors; Golf Courses p relevant local authority allocations; 11.13 Four golf courses have been identified from p proposed and consented developments; and OS data and on line searches. These include p the enjoyment of the area by the local Denbigh Golf Course, on the north-western edge community and tourists, as informed by the of Denbigh, Kinmel Park Golf Course, within the Landscape and Visual assessment. Kinmel Park estate, North Wales Driving Range and Golf Course to the south of St Asaph, and the 11.19 The proposed development will also potentially Bryn Morfydd Golf Club, south of Denbigh. generate a number of positive effects on: Open Access Land p economic receptors during the course of 11.14 There are several areas of open access land, as the temporary construction phase and also designated under the Countryside and Rights of permanently from operation and maintenance Way Act 2000 within the Study Area. Shown on activity. OS maps under differing descriptions, these are open to the public by permission of the owners, Proposed Assessment Methodology often the Forestry Commission, the National Trust, 11.20 The following activities will be undertaken as part or Woodland Trust. The largest area of access of the EIA: land is found in the south-western corner of the study, and covers the Denbigh Moors. It consists p Contact and consultation with key interests of public forest (Clocaenog), open country, within the relevant area of assessment registered common land and other statutory p Review of tourism studies; access land. Several other areas of open access p Undertaking of a tourism business survey; land lie on the high hills tops found along the p Assessment of the potential effects on western edge of the Study Area. employment – both positive and adverse p The impact on employment; and Angling p Further identification and assessment of 11.15 Angling is an important activity within the Study community facilities and recreational receptors. Area, with 15 locations for both coarse and game fishing being present. There is main cluster of fishing locations which are located around Potential Mitigation Measures St Asaph where the Rivers Elwy and Clwyd run 11.21 The ES will include a description of the potential in close proximity. The upland reservoirs in the avoidance, reduction and mitigation measures south-western corner of the Study Area also and will seek to identify suitable mitigation to provide numerous fishing opportunities, and reduce, remove or compensate significant Llyn Brenig plays host to the World Fly Fishing negative effects and to enhance identified positive Championships and regularly hosts Fly Fishing effects International challenges. It has an international reputation for the quality of the fishing and it is one of the few remaining fisheries preserved exclusively for fly-fishing. 54 North Wales Wind Farms Connection 12.0 TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT

Introduction 12.1 Overhead line proposals are not normally 12.6 Traffic generation is likely to be restricted to the considered in respect of traffic and transport following: issues because the associated levels of vehicles p Light vehicles (including 4x4s) and vans in the project are relatively low and there is minimal bringing construction staff to site; likelihood of traffic having an effect on traffic flow p Deliveries of components including wood and the road network. However this is a key topic poles, steel work, conductors, ducts and cable for local communities and so it will be covered in drums; and the ES. p Deliveries of plant at the start and finish of the Baseline Context construction period including tractors and tree 12.2 The primary road and rail infrastructure determines felling equipment, excavators, tensioners and the main movement of people through the locality mobile elevated working platforms. and therefore defines the principle view corridors 12.7 Given the above information, no significant of the scenery for most visitors and travellers environmental issues are likely to arise. through the area. The most significant roads through the area are the A55 and the A525. 12.8 Whilst no significant effects have been identified The A55, running east-west across the northern for the overhead line, any traffic issues in relation periphery of the Study Area, is a major dual to the substation will be subject to assessment by carriageway and the key north Wales coast road the Local Authority’s requirements and a condition linking Chester and Holyhead via Bangor and imposed on the planning permission if necessary. Conwy. The A525, running north-south through the Study Area following the Vale of Clwyd, links Proposed Assessment Methodology the towns of Rhyl, St Asaph, Denbigh and Ruthin 12.9 The main traffic input in the ES is likely to be to Wrexham. advising on the temporary construction and 12.3 Other important routes include the A543, which maintenance accesses onto the public highway runs north-east to south-west across the Study network at various locations. The road network Area via Denbigh. Several secondary roads cross will be assessed along each of the routes and the Study Area linking the smaller settlements with suitable access locations onto the existing the primary routes. Numerous minor roads and highway network will be identified for construction lanes traverse the remainder of the Study Area. vehicles to gain access to the various sites for pole location. The consideration and mitigation 12.4 There are no operational railways within the Study of transport effects is an essential part of Area. The closest, the North Wales Coast Railway, the Government’s wider policy objectives for running from Chester to Holyhead, lies just to the sustainable development. north of the Study Area. The Vale of Clwyd railway once ran through the Study Area, and Denbigh Potential Mitigation Measures served as a key junction station. Trains ran from 12.10 Mitigation measures will be informed by further Denbigh to Rhyl, Chester and Corwen. The detailed routeing and design, and will be proposed original railway was built in 1860 and eventually within the ES. Where significant effects cannot closed in 1964. The remains of the line now form be ‘designed out’ of the development (through a fairly unobtrusive feature in the landscape. sensitive alignment etc.), opportunities for reduction and offset of effects will be considered. Potential Effects 12.5 The implementation of good working practices in accordance with SP Energy Network’s construction method statements should ensure that construction effects are unlikely to be significant and that the increase in traffic flows on the surrounding roads will be well within the “negligible” threshold advised in the Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment (IEMA) “Guidelines for the Environmental Assessment of Road Traffic – Guidance Notes No. 1”.

EIA Scoping Report 55

13.0 NOISE

Introduction 13.1 The effects of noise during operation are not 13.6 Given the above information, no significant anticipated to be significant, however there environmental issues are likely to arise and may be some effects from construction and therefore effects during operation do not need to decommissioning activities. be assessed within the EA.

Baseline Context Decommissioning 13.2 The area of the proposed development is a 13.7 The main sources of potential noise effects during predominantly rural area, with scattered dwellings the decommissioning phase are likely to be and a limited number of villages and hamlets similar to the construction phase, with the use of within the proposed route corridor. Existing plant and the movement of construction vehicles sources of noise include road and agricultural through adjacent residential areas, etc. resulting noise. A baseline noise survey to establish the in potential nuisance and disturbance effects to prevailing background noise conditions has not nearby sensitive receptors. Similarly, these effects been carried out, but it is anticipated that noise will be temporary, intermittent and highly localised. levels will be very low and typical or rural areas. Proposed Assessment Methodology Potential Effects 13.8 Potential noise receptors, including residential, business and recreational receptors will be Construction identified by desk based review. 13.3 The main sources of potential noise effects during the construction phase include the use of 13.9 An assessment of construction noise will be plant and the movement of construction vehicles undertaken, by a desk based review, in accordance through adjacent residential areas. These sources with BS 5228:2009: Noise and Vibration Control of noise could impact nearby sensitive receptors, on Construction and Open Sites, using tabulated such as residential properties, community facilities noise output data for typical items of construction (e.g. schools, nursing homes, etc.) and ecological plant and machinery. Predictions will be assessed receptors. These effects will be temporary, against standard threshold levels. intermittent and highly localised. 13.10 Due to the rural nature of the surrounding area it is 13.4 During construction contractors will be required to assumed background noise levels are below the maintain low noise levels near dwellings or other cut-off value for threshold values for construction noise sensitive receptors by employing sufficiently noise and therefore no baseline monitoring is silenced machinery and by distancing or screening required. noisy activities or items of plant as outlined in BS5228: 2009. Any noise would predominantly Potential Mitigation Measures be experienced during the day between 0800 and 13.11 Mitigation measures will be informed by further 1800 hours. These effects would move along the detailed routeing and design, and will be proposed route as each new pole is erected. within the ES. Where significant effects cannot be ‘designed out’ of the development (through Operation sensitive alignment etc.), opportunities for 13.5 Overhead lines can emit audible noise known as reduction and offset of effects will be considered. “corona discharge”. Conductors are designed and constructed to minimise corona discharge, however local effects may result in audible corona discharge in certain conditions but not at a significant noise level.

EIA Scoping Report 57

14.0 ELECTRIC AND MAGNETIC FIELDS

Introduction 14.5 Electric field strengths are measured in volts per 14.1 This section of the EIA will address the potential metre (V/m). The natural atmospheric electric effects from electric and magnetic fields (EMFs) field at ground level is normally about 100V/m in produced by the proposed overhead line, fine weather and may rise to many thousands of underground cables and associated substation volts per metre during thunderstorms. Magnetic development during the operational phase of fields for practical purposes are measured in the project. EMFs are not significant during the microtesia (T) and the Earth’s natural magnetic construction and decommissioning phases. field is approximately 50T in this country. 14.2 All 132kV overhead lines produce EMFs and 14.6 EMF’s produced by overhead lines are normally these tend to be highest directly under a line and much lower than the ICNIRP exposure levels. decrease to the sides with increasing distance. 14.7 The Health Protection Agency’s Radiation Although putting cable underground eliminates Protection Division (HPA RPD, now part of Public the electric field, cables still produce magnetic Health England) provides advice on standards fields, which are highest directly above the of protection for exposure to non-ionising cable. To avoid unacceptable adverse effects radiation, including extremely low frequency from EMFs, the design of the line should ensure (ELF) EMFs arising from the transmission and that the resulting EMF exposure is within relevant use of electricity. In March 2004, the National public exposure guidelines. Radiological Protection Board (also now part of 14.3 The National Policy Statement for Electricity Public Health England), published new advice Networks Infrastructure (EN-5) also notes that which recommended that the UK follow the the International Commission on Non-Ionizing exposure guidelines published by the ICNIRO Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) has developed in 1998. These guidelines form the basis of health protection guidelines for both public and an EU recommendation on public exposure occupational exposure and that: and a directive on occupational exposure. The Electricity Industry complies with these ICNIRP “undergrounding of a line would reduce the guidelines on a voluntary basis. For electric fields level of EMFs experienced, but high magnetic the guideline level for human exposure is 5000 field levels may still occur immediately volts per metre and for magnetic fields it is 100 above the cable” and that “It is not the microtesia. Government’s policy that power lines should be undergrounded solely for the purpose of 14.8 The Stakeholder advisory group on ELFs and reducing exposure to EMFs.” EMFs, known as SAGE, was established by the Department of Health to explore the implications Baseline Context and make practical recommendations for a 14.4 Electric and magnetic fields and the precautionary approach to power frequency electromagnetic forces they represent are electric and magnetic fields. SAGE’s first interim an essential part of the natural world. Their report was published in 2007. The 2009 document: sources are the charged fundamental particles ‘The Government Response to the Stakeholder of matter (principally electrons and protons). Advisory Group on Extremely Low Frequency Electromagnetic forces are responsible for the Electric and Magnetic Fields Recommendations’ physical properties of materials and they mediate concludes that the available evidence does not all the processes of chemistry, including those of support the mandatory introduction of corridors life itself. Measurable electric and magnetic fields around the overhead lines as proposed by some occur naturally within the body in association with members of SAGE. nerve and muscle activity. We are also exposed 14.9 The policy document EN-5 confirms ‘the balance to natural electric fields in the atmosphere as well of scientific evidence over several decades of as the natural magnetic field of the earth (to which research has not proven a causal link between a magnetic compass responds). EMFs and cancer or any other disease’. Public Health England (and Public Health Wales) keeps under review emerging scientific research and/or studies that may link EMF exposure with various health problems and will consider the possible need for introducing further precautionary measures.

EIA Scoping Report 59 14.10 The Department of Health’s Medicines and Proposed Assessment Methodology Healthcare Products Regulatory Industry (MHRA) 14.15 The electric and magnetic fields from the proposed does not consider that transmission line EMFs 132kV overhead line will be calculated using the constitute a significant hazard to the operation of conditions set out in the DECCs Code of Practice pacemakers. ‘Power Lines: Demonstrating Compliance with 14.11 There is little evidence that exposure of crops, farm Public Exposure Guidelines’ (February 2011). The animals and natural ecosystems to transmission EMFs from the proposed 132kV overhead line will or distribution line EMFs have any agriculturally be evaluated against UK Government guidelines significant consequences. to demonstrate compliance. 14.12 There is no direct statutory provision in the planning The following tasks will be undertaken: system relating to protection from EMFs and the p desk based assessment which will illustrate construction of new overhead power lines near that the 132kV Connection is in accordance residential or other occupied buildings. However the with the DECC Code of Practice. Electricity, Safety, Quality and Continuity Regulations p Details will be gathered and presented on 2002 set out the minimum height, position, insulation the height, position, insulation and protection and protection specifications at which conductors specifications for the overhead line to ensure can be strung between towers to ensure clearance compliance with the Electricity Safety, Quality and of objects. The design of the proposed 132kV Continuity Regulations 2002. Connection complies with these requirements. p Any comments received from Public Health Wales will be incorporated into the assessment to ensure Potential Effects any potential health impact associated with the 14.13 Given the above information, no significant electric and magnetic fields are considered. environmental effects are likely to occur as a result of EMFs generated by the development. Potential Mitigation Measures 14.14 Whilst it is not considered likely that there will be 14.16 The height, position, insulation and protection of any significant environmental effects arising as a the overhead line will comply with the Electricity result of EMFs, SP Manweb considers that even a Safety, Quality and Continuity Regulations 2002. remote possibility of a health risk must be taken 14.17 Compliance with the guidelines will be achieved seriously because very large numbers of people through the design, so it is considered that no are exposed to power frequency fields from both separate mitigation measures will be required. overhead lines and underground cables and from many other sources, including domestic appliances. Further studies are in progress in this country and elsewhere to establish whether or not there is any genuine health risk. SP Manweb will continue to act upon the current advice of the Government and HPA Public Health England and Wales in this matter.

60 North Wales Wind Farms Connection 15.0 PROPOSED ISSUES SCOPED OUT

15.1 The following issues are proposed to be scoped 15.7 The construction and operation of transmission out of the EIA for the proposed North Wales Wind infrastructure will lead to a minor increase in Farm Connections Project: emissions through embodied energy in materials and transport. However this contribution to climate p Air quality; change is not considered significant, particularly, p Water quality and resources in comparison with the reductions in emissions p Emissions; to which it would contribute by connecting with - Waste management renewable sources of electricity. p Civil and military aviation and defence interests; 15.8 The proposed 132kV overhead line will not give and rise to emissions or direct effects which could p Contribution to Climate Change. influence the climate. It will allow distribution of electrical power generated from four wind farms Air quality which will help reduce emissions. However the 15.2 During construction, operation and contribution that the wind farms is dependent decommissioning of energy infrastructure there is upon the developers and therefore cannot be potential for the release of a range of emissions appraised in this assessment. such as dust and vehicular emissions from transport movements. 15.3 These effects are not considered significant and are therefore proposed to be scoped out of the EIA.

Other emissions 15.4 This will include any issues not already covered covering issues such as spillages and leakages, mud, light pollution and waste. 15.5 It is considered that these either will not occur or will not be significant, as they will be controlled by good site management practice, through the construction, operational or decommissioning phases of the development. These issues are therefore proposed to be scoped out of the EIA.

Contribution to Climate change 15.6 The Overarching National Policy Statement for Energy (EN-1, July 2011) states that ‘climate change is likely to mean that the UK will experience hotter, drier summers and warmer, wetter winters. There is likelihood of increased flooding, drought, heat waves and intense rainfall events, as well as rising sea levels.’

EIA Scoping Report 61